Photo Information

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Nov. 3, 2005)-Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division honored their fallen brothers killed in action during combat operations while the battalion was deployed in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel (RELEASED)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel

3/2 Marines, families honor fallen brothers

3 Nov 2005 | Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel 2nd Marine Division

The sun was setting in the distance and the glistening water flowing was the only thing they could hear as the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division stood in silence to pay their respects to their fallen brothers during a ceremony here. The Marines honored the lives of Lance Cpls. Kevin S. Smith, Lawrence R. Philippon and Adam J. Crumpler who were killed in action during combat operations in the Al Anbar province of Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The entire battalion and the families of the fallen Marines were on hand. Lieutenant Colonel Tim Mundy, the battalion commander, Lt. John G. Anderson, the battalion chaplain and three of the Marines’ friends spoke during the ceremony. “This ceremony was held to honor the lives of these three Marines who gave their lives for freedom. I think the Marines and sailors did a tremendous job of honoring their sacrifice,” Mundy said. The battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. A.L. Mennig gave the final roll call that was followed later by volleys and taps. The Marines held the ceremony to honor the lives of their fellow Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Smith was not only a good Marine but a good friend. You could talk to him about anything, and he was that type of guy; a guy you could always go to no matter what problem you had," Sgt. Clive Chinatomby, Smith’s squad leader said. Smith was born Sept. 28, 1984 in Springfield, Ohio, He graduated from Kenton Ridge High School in 2003 and enlisted in the Marines in August 2003. He joined 3rd Bn., 2nd Marines in February 2004 and deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After returning Smith joined the battalion’s security platoon and deployed to Iraq in February 2005. Smith was killed in action March 21, 2005. His personal awards include the Purple Heart, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He is survived by his father Ronald Smith, his mother Kathy Smith-Heater, his sister Rachael Smith and his fiancé Kristie Leider. Lance Cpl. Philippon was born March 20, 1983 in Fort Bragg, N.C. He graduated from Conrad High School in 2001 and enlisted in the Marines in May 2002. Philippon was chosen to become part of the color guard, Marine Corps Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C. where he performed in numerous parades and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. After pleading with his command to let him go to Iraq, Philippon received orders to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines in January 2005. In February he deployed to Iraq with Company K. On May 8, 2005, he was killed in action in the Al Anbar province during Operation Matador. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Valor, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Philippon is survived by his parents Raymond and Leesa Philippon, his younger brother Bryan and his sister Emilee. Lance Cpl. Crumpler was born August 31, 1984 in Loma Linda, Calif. He graduated from Riverside High School in 2003 and joined the Marines in September 2003. Crumpler was assigned to 3rd Bn., 2nd Marines in July 2004 and in February 2005 deployed to Iraq with Company K. On June 19, 2005, Crumpler was killed in action in Al Anbar province during Operation Spear. His awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.Crumpler is survived by his sister Ms.Brittnay Crumpler and his grandmother Ms. Emma Johnson.As the Marines ended the ceremony remembering the lives of those Marines that made the ultimate sacrifice, Chaplain Anderson reminded them what they fought and died for; freedom.