1st LAR honors fallen hero, fellow Marine

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, AFGHANISTAN

06.08.2010

Story by Sgt. Dean Davis 

1st Marine Division

COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, Afghanistan -- At a remote combat outpost, Marines of Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gathered to honor a fallen hero, Cpl. Jacob Leicht. The 24-year-old, affectionately known as "Bobby" by his fellow Marines was killed during a patrol in the Rig District. With solemn praises and respect, the Marines remembered the young infantryman from Kerrville, Texas.

"He loved this job. He wanted to be an infantryman from the day we signed up," said Cpl. Matt White, long-time friend of Leicht, and light armored vehicle crewman with 1st LAR's C Company.

"When I found out he reenlisted to come here, I thought, 'if he can do it- I can do it,' so I did. Going back home won't be the same without him."

Leicht's road to reenlisting in the Marine Corps was not easy. In 2007, Leicht was badly wounded by an improvised explosive device while deployed to Iraq with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. After more than a dozen surgeries and countless hours of rehabilitation, he returned to a deployable unit, this time with 1st LAR.

"After he was wounded in Iraq, he could have easily called it quits- but he didn't," said 1st Lt. Jonathan Walaski, Leicht's platoon commander. "He possessed a quality that is rare these days - selflessness. He would do anything for his country and his brother Marines."

It became clear that each of the A Company Marines felt the same way, as one by one, each Marine lined up to offer prayers and reflect at Leicht's memorial display, until the entire company was formed behind it.

"But, Cpl. Leicht wouldn't want us to feel bad for him," Walaski said. "He would want us to hold our heads high and keep taking the fight to the enemy."

A sentiment that seemed all more appropriate as the final respects for Cpl. Leicht were briefly interrupted as an enemy rocket exploded near the outpost.

As the Marines of 1st LAR now turn back to their mission, they will have the memory and inspiration of a Marine who was truly driven to guide them.

"If there is an example of determination and selflessness, there is none greater than can be found in Cpl. Leicht," said Lt. Col. Scott Leonard, commanding officer of 1st LAR. "He is a shining beacon to the American public of what is best in the young men of our country, and what is best in her Marines."

• Date Taken: 06.08.2010
• Date Posted: 06.15.2010 11:11
• Story ID: 51420
• Location: COMBAT OUTPOST TAGHAZ, AF