Jerome Murkerson

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Herman Jerome Murkerson, Jr (born March 1, 1972 in Lipscomb - died October 1, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq) was a U. S. Marine gunnery sergeant who was killed by enemy fire while providing cover for his unit.

Murkerson was one of six children raised by Jerome and Brenda Murkerson of Lipscomb. The family moved to Adger while he was in high school, and he graduated in 1990 from Oak Grove High School. He enlisted in the marines shortly afterward and was assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. He married his high school girlfriend, Windy, while she was still a senior in 1991.

Murkerson left for his third tour in Iraq on August 23, 2007. His unit came under fire while attempting to secure the Al Muthana Warthar mosque in the Al Fadil neighborhood of Baghdad. The unit, which included an intepreter, was pinned down by machine gun fire. Murkerson left cover to draw the fire away, allowing the members of his unit, as well as another group including a captain and a first lieutenant, to escape. For his bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Murkerson was survived by his wife and three children; Stephen, Daniel and Kristina who moved back to Tuscaloosa. He is buried at Prude's Creek Baptist Church cemetery in Brookwood. A plaque honoring his sacrifice is displayed in the front office at Oak Grove High School.

References

  • Reeves, Jay (October 3, 2007) "Ala. Marine killed in combat during third trip to Iraq." Associated Press.
  • Gordon, Tom (October 21, 2007) "A matter of death and life." Birmingham News
  • Self, Jane (June 9, 2008) "Fallen Warrior: Rambunctious child grew up to be Marine hero." Tuscaloosa News
  • Fields, Monique (February 6, 2009) "Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jerome Murkerson, who died in Iraq a hero, is honored at his alma mater, Oak Grove High School, Alabama." Birmingham News

External links