U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 1091-10
November 26, 2010
DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
First Lieutenant William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, Mississippi, died November 25, 2010, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at 760-725-8766.
South Mississippi will honor the life and service of Marine First Lieutenant William J. Donnelly, IV Tuesday morning as he is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Donnelly, 27, was killed in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day. The Marine spent much of his youth in Picayune, so his friends in Mississippi will hold a memorial service at the 10 a.m., the same hour of the service at Arlington.
Donnelly's name will be inscribed on a monument in front of the Old City Hall in Picayune to ensure the town's war heroes are never forgotten. The addition of Donnelly's name will be unveiled at Tuesday's ceremony.
Donnelly was married on September 11th of this year. That day was the last time he saw his parents and siblings. His father told WLOX News his son accepted his commission into the Marine Corp in June of 2008. This was his first combat deployment.
William Donnelly, III described his son like this: “My son, with maybe the exception of my father, was the finest man I ever have known on this earth, he was just a great guy.”
28 November 2010:
Friends and family said Marine Corps First Lieutenant William J. Donnelly IV always wanted to go into the military and fight for his country.
He ended up giving his life in combat in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day for that ideal.
“He lived to serve his country, and he refused to just sit on the sidelines,” said his sister, Melissa Donnelly Weed.
A release issued by the military base said Donnelly, a 27-year-old infantry officer from Picayune, was killed while conducting dismounted combat operations against enemy forces in the Helmand province Thursday. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, California.
This was Donnelly's first combat deployment, officials said.
Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero said it's always hard to lose a hero and that his city extends its heartfelt condolences to Donnelly's family during their holiday tragedy.
“As a city we will do everything for the family that's within our power to ease this very trying time,” he said. “There's never a good time for something like this, and it's even tougher during the holidays.”
Donnelly accepted his commission into the Marine Corps June 16, 2008. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The Donnelly family went Saturday to meet the Marine's remains at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware.
Officials from Camp Pendleton also stressed in the release issued Friday that they have lost one of their own family.
“The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of Lieutenant Donnelly,” the release read. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”
Weed said the loss was not just to the Marines, nor to Donnelly's immediate family, but to everyone he knew.
“Will was the best husband, son, brother, uncle and friend anyone had,” said Weed. “He was totally committed to his wife Linsey, his family, his friends and his Marine Corps.”
Pinero said Donnelly's sacrifice and that of all the men and women who fall in combat protecting our country's freedom should never be forgotten.
“We are proud of all of our soldiers and we're proud of him for the service he did for his country,” Pinero said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice as a citizen of the United States of America.”
Weed said her brother was proud to be a Marine and was known by all for his professionalism and caring spirit.
“He was respected by all who knew him and loved by everyone,” she said. “He was always there for his family and friends, no matter what time or place. He will be missed by so many.”
DONNELLY, WILLIAM JAMES IV
- 1STLT US MARINE CORPS
- AFGHANISTAN
- DATE OF BIRTH: 03/29/1983
- DATE OF DEATH: 11/25/2010
- BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 9502
- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
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Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard