FORWARD OPERATING BASE GAINES MILLS, Iraq -- Spc. Daniel McConnell was not an outspoken Soldier nor undisciplined.
"He never complained â?¦ always did what he was told," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Stephens, McConnell's squad leader.
On Nov. 16, McConnell and his squad were on a convoy performing a combat patrol to counter an ambush that was set up against Multi-National Forces. The High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle McConnell was riding in, slipped into the side of a steep culvert and rolled over.
McConnell, a rifleman with Company C, Task Force 1-27 Infantry, sustained serious injuries in the accident and was later pronounced dead.
A memorial ceremony was held to honor the 27-year-old Duluth, Minn. resident in front of Co. C, TF 1-27 Inf.'s command post, Nov. 19.
"I remember him for what he was -- a very good Soldier and a very good man," Stephens said during the ceremony. "He cared a lot about his brothers-in-arms and would do anything for any of them."
Stephens also mentioned his trademark quietness.
"Spc. McConnell was a silent professional," he said. "He never bothered anyone. He had a unique smile and a stare that would go on for miles."
Pfc. Levi Clark, a rifleman with Company C, TF 1-27 Inf., was in the same squad as McConnell and spoke at the ceremony as well.
"We remember him today as a man of few words, no matter how hard or easy the situation," Clark said.
Clark then talked how even a quiet McConnell could brighten up his day without saying a word.
"I remember McConnell would come into the room with the platoon and sit down for 20 or 30 minutes, then say nothing and leave," Clark said. "It was odd at first but as it continued to happen, we would just laugh knowing he just wanted to hang out.
"Remembering the good times and his unique personality always put a smile on my face," Clark said.
Capt. David W. Parkes, McConnell's company commander, revealed McConnell's commitment to his unit's overall mission during the ceremony.
"He always followed orders and never questioned the mission," Parkes said.
Parkes continued, "it is through the dedication and perseverance of Soldiers like Spc. McConnell that make our country great and the country of Iraq a better place. Thank you, Spc. McConnell."
Spc. McConnell lived a rough life and came through a lot of adversity, said Sgt. Rick Walters, McConnell's former team leader with Company C, TF 1-27 Inf.
"He was definitely a self-made man and an incredible Soldier," Walters said.
Walters also remembered McConnell said that he enjoyed being in Iraq.
"He was probably someone who would volunteer to come back," Walters said.
Spc. McConnell is survived by his daughters, Riley and Cierra McConnell and sister, Rebecca McConnell.
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2004 |
| Date Posted: | 11.23.2004 14:52 |
| Story ID: | 647 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 14 |
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