Veteran Justin T. Walsh

This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight pays tribute to Marine Corps Veteran Justin Tyler Walsh, who served in Al Anbar province, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Born in September 1982 in Akron, Ohio, Walsh grew up in a welcoming community. He was an active student at Cuyahoga Falls High School, participating in football, wrestling, Student Council, Latin Club, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Despite his academic success and many opportunities, he was determined to join the Marine Corps since his freshman year.

Walsh was known for his leadership and technical skills. He was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During the Invasion of Iraq, he served as an explosive ordnance disposal technician. He was injured by an explosive device while defusing a roadside bomb during his third tour in Iraq, saving his team leader from major injuries by positioning his body to absorb the blast.

Walsh received numerous medals, including a Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation, and posthumously, a Purple Heart.

Walsh passed away in October 2006 at the age of 24 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.