Lance Corporal Justin D. McLeese, an all-district defensive end for the Covington High School football team, joined the Marines shortly after graduation. He enlisted because of the tragic events of September 11th.

         As a member of India Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, based at Camp Pendleton, McLeese deployed to Iraq in June 2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

     McLeese believed every Marine was his brother and sister, and on numerous occasions he demonstrated his dedication to his fellow Marines.

          On September 16, he personally led a group of Marines to rescue a Marine trapped underneath a vehicle in Al Karmah. 

    A couple of months later in Fallujah, McLeese and his fireteam located and eliminated an insurgent stronghold.  While searching the stronghold  for intelligence, McLeese saved his fire team from an insurgent who was playing opossum. 

      As the insurgent leapt from the floor and fired on his fireteam, McLeese neutralized the threat with his shotgun. 

     On November 13, 2004 LCPL Justin D McLeesee gallantly gave his life for his country and his Marine brothers.  His team breeched an enemy stronghold and as he entered the building, McLeese was hit by gunfire from a group of barricaded insurgents. 

     Despite his wounds, McLeese attempted to dislodge the insurgents with a grenade. Before he could throw the grenade McLeese was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive rigged to the house.

       LCPL Justin D. McLeese was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with combat “V” for Valor and the Purple Heart for his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and his exceptional dedication to duty.