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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Two 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment Marines were honored by their fellow comrades, friends and family during a memorial service at the Camp Las Pulgas parade deck, June 6.
Staff Sergeant Vincent Bell and Cpl. Conner Lowry lost their lives, on Nov. 30 and March 1 respectively, while conducting combat operations as part of the “The Regiment’s Best” during the battalion’s recent deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan.
“Today we commemorate two of our own who in the current conflict selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation while conducting combat operations against a determined enemy in a place called Kajaki, Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Allena, the battalion commander of 2/11. “Just nine days ago we commemorated Memorial Day in their honor. This year and for all years thereafter, Memorial Day will have a very personal significance to all gathered here today.”
A solemn breeze crossed over the parade deck as Marines, family members and friends gathered to honor their fallen loved ones. The two battlefield crosses stood between those in attendance facing outward to the battalion formation of Marines and reminded everyone of the costly price of freedom.
Both Marines served with 1st Platoon, Battery G, 2/11. They were remembered first by the battalion commander, the battery commander and then by the battalion chaplain when he delivered a message to those present. They expressed the jovial attitudes, patriotic spirit, giving hearts and leadership seemingly shared by the two who sacrificed their lives for their country.
“Staff Sergeant Bell was a veteran of multiple combat deployments,” said Allena about the Detroit native. “He had actually gotten out of the Marine Corps for short time, but decided to return, joining the Marine Corps not once, but twice, in a time of war.”
Bell was a cannoneer by trade and the platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Battery G, and Lowry was the battery ammunition chief. Even though the men came from different specialties, they both bore testament to their professionalism, dedication to duty and the way they tirelessly contributed to the success of the mission. Captain Terence Sawick, the battery commander for Battery G, 2/11, told those gathered of the times the two men had put others above themselves to accomplish the mission or take care of others.
The two also set the example as leaders within the platoon and role models for those they worked with and worked for.
“Staff Sergeant Bell was a true leader,” said Allena. “He used his vast combat experience to mentor the younger Marines of his platoon. His efforts made them all better Marines and men.”
The testimonies brought both tears and laughs to those in attendance, as the Marines remembered the times they spent with the fallen and the way they conducted themselves at home and in combat.
“Corporal Lowry was superior Marine at 6-foot, 4-inches tall with a great sense of humor,” Allena said of Lowry who extended to deploy with Battery G. “Corporal Lowry was the heart of his platoon. He was an outgoing Marine of Irish heritage from the south side of Chicago and a natural leader whom everyone was drawn to.”
Sergeant Major Sergio Martinez, sergeant major of 2/11, sounded final roll call which was responded with the report and recitation of the full names of each Marine.
A 21-gun salute and taps paid final homage to those who willingly gave their lives. The silence, pierced with the tone of three volleys, symbolized that the Marines will live on in the unit and Corps.
“In summation, I am convinced that the overarching theme that these Marines displayed through their lives and Marine Corps careers is commitment,” said Sawick. “Staff Sergeant Bell had previously EAS’d (end of active service) only to decide to reenlist to further devote himself to protecting his loved ones. Corporal Lowry extended his active duty contract to deploy with his friends and fellow Marines.”
Following the memorial service, Bell and Lowry were posthumously awarded for their heroic actions in Afghanistan during an intimate ceremony in the regimental chapel.
Bell’s mother received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat distinguishing device on his behalf. The citation outlined his actions as a platoon sergeant in the first weeks the battalion spent in Afghanistan.
Lowry’s mother, Modie Levin received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a combat distinguishing device and gold star in lieu of her son’s second award. His citation gave those gathered insight to the small unit leadership he displayed as an assistant squad leader in a kinetic environment.
Allena concluded the ceremony by briefly speaking to the friends, family and Marines of Battery G about the significance of, and actions deserving of, the combat distinguishing devices on medals.
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2012 23:00 |
| Story ID: | 89546 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, “The Regiment’s Best” remember two of their best, by Sgt Benjamin Crilly, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
