John J Young

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SAVANNAH, GA, US

U.S. Army

SPC, COMPANY D, 2D BATTALION, 14TH INFANTRY, FORT DRUM, NY

09/21/2007, CAMP STRIKER, IRAQ

Specialist John Young, of Savannah, Georgia, volunteered to serve his country to fight terrorism, and was a proud member of the elite 10th Mountain Infantry Division. Specialist Young drove the lead HUMVEE in his patrol because he was the best at spotting IEDs. He was also credited with saving many lives because he found 20 IEDs. Both his chain of command leadership and his battle buddies credit him with saving many lives. John was proud to be in the Infantry, and was willing to go to the front lines.

John served with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq, and was killed in the 13th month of his deployment. On September 21, 2007 he died at Camp Stryker, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. Specialist Young was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York. He was twenty-four years old and in the thirteenth month of his deployment.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Family and friends continue to focus on his courageous and positive qualities. A friend, observed that one took John’s wisdom on like a sponge noting that If you ever had an in-depth conversation with John you left looking at everything differently. John would sometimes say, “The more I learn, the more I know nothing.”

John’s portrait is also on Poster 4