SSG Jack M. Martin III

29 September 2009, Philippines

Special Forces

Born in Maquoketa, Iowa, Staff Sergeant Jack M. Martin III was killed on 29 September 2009 on Jolo Island, Republic of the Philippines, by an Improvised Explosive Device while supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM-PHILIPPINES.

Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2001 and in 2004 graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Washington, and participated in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

SSG Martin was assigned as a Weapons Sergeant and was on his first deployment to the Philippines when he was killed.