Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall, a 50-year-old soldier from Los Angeles, paid the ultimate sacrifice on April 8, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga., his life was tragically cut short in Baghdad when he was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade during an ambush. John W. Marshall’s commitment to duty and his unwavering dedication to his troops exemplify the highest ideals of military service.
John W. Marshall’s life was deeply intertwined with the Army. Enlisting at the young age of 18, he dedicated over three decades to military service, embodying a profound commitment that extended until his final day. At 50 years old, Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall is believed to be the oldest American soldier killed in action during the Iraq War, highlighting his exceptional service and sacrifice at an age when many consider retirement. According to his sister, Denise Marshall Mills, the Army was not just a job for John W. Marshall; it was his life’s devotion. His troops were paramount to him, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility and care for those under his command.
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles as one of nine children, John W. Marshall’s roots were humble, but his aspirations were grand. Based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, John W. Marshall built a family life with his wife Denise and their children in Hinesville, while simultaneously serving his nation. As part of the 3rd Infantry Division, Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall and his fellow soldiers were at the forefront of the advance into Baghdad. In a poignant email sent home, John W. Marshall expressed his primary concern: the safety of his men. He wrote of his determination to “ensure that all my men return home safely,” dismissing any personal doubts about the war’s politics as secondary to his duty and the lives of his soldiers. “I’m just an old soldier,” he stated, underscoring his selfless focus on his mission and his troops.
The Marshall family’s tradition of military service is deep-rooted. His parents, residing near Sacramento, are both veterans of World War II, and his brother, James, served in the Vietnam War. This legacy of service underscores John W. Marshall’s upbringing and the values instilled in him from a young age. His mother, Odessa Marshall, fondly recalled his childhood attachment, “The thing I remember most about Johnnie is that growing up he would just hang on to my apron strings all the time. He loved his momma.” His sister remembered his artistic side, noting that “he played flute in high school,” and his adventurous spirit, “he loved motorcycles.”
Despite their profound loss, John W. Marshall’s family finds solace in knowing he was engaged in his life’s calling. “The thing that gives us great pride is that he made such a commitment and that he attached to it with everything he had,” his mother stated, encapsulating the family’s deep respect for his dedication. John W. Marshall is survived by his wife, Denise, and six children, leaving behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his country and his fellow soldiers. His memory serves as a powerful reminder of the personal costs of war and the extraordinary dedication of those who serve.
