Justin T. Walsh
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Justin T. Walsh was born on 17 September 1982 in Akron, OH, the son of James I. and Terri Walsh. His father, Jim, was a Vietnam-era Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division.

He was a 2001 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School (OH) where he played football as an offensive and defensive lineman, and wrestled. He belonged to the Student Council, Latin Club, National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Justin had talked of becoming a Marine from the time he was a Freshman in high school, and he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in the summer of 2001, following graduation. He graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, SC, three days after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. His advanced training was as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician who defused roadside bombs and mines.

At the time of his death, Walsh was on his third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; he took part in the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and served his second tour from mid-July 2004 until February 2005. He was serving with the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC.

On 5 October 2006, Sgt Walsh and his unit were conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was wounded when a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) exploded while he was defusing a second roadside bomb. His severe wounds were treated in Iraq and Germany before he was transferred to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He died there at about 3 A.M. on 11 October 2006.

Medals and Awards

Purple Heart
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor Device
Combat Action Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars

He also received a Certificate of Commendation and Meritorious Mast.

Honors

In May 2009, Ohio State Route 59 through Cuyahoga Falls was officially named in his honor. The southbound lanes of Route 59 were designated Sgt. Justin T. Walsh Memorial Highway.

Burial

Sergeant Justin T. Walsh was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors, on 24 October 2006.