U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A. Lee, 28, was killed Aug. 2, 2006 in a fierce firefight while on patrol against insurgents in Ramadi, Iraq. An aviation ordinanceman and a member of a Coronado, Calif.-based SEAL team, Marc was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq.

Four SEALs were on a rooftop when one was severly wounded. They didn't have a medic on the rooftop so Marc stood up into the direct line of fire to provide a distraction so a medic could get up to the injured teammate. The medic evaluated the situation and determined they needed to immediately extract the wounded SEAL. Marc again stood up into the direct line of fire to provide cover to make the extraction. They then returned to the base which is now named Camp Marc Lee, in his honor. The Master Chief came in and informed them that they had found where 30 of the insurgents were that just attacked them and questioned if they were up to going back out into the fight. Marc looked at his Master Chief and said 'Roger that.' They had cleared the bottom of the building and were headed upstairs when Marc chose to lead the guys up to the rooftop. They took enemy fire through the window and Marc for the final time stood into the fire laying down his life.

Marc was a young man who valued other people's lives more important than his own. He had an amazing sense of humor and always kept the mood uplifting and people laughing. Marc believed in what we were doing in Iraq and knew it was the right thing to do. Marc loved this country and willingly gave his life for this country that he so loved. Marc loved deeply and was deeply loved!

Submitted by Debbie Lee, proud Gold Star mother of Marc Alan Lee