Jerome Murkerson

Jerome Murkerson (born c. 1972 - died September 30, 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 a 1990 graduate of Oak Grove High School and a career marine. He was on his third tour in Iraq when 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 other members of the unit to escape. For his bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Murkerson was survived by his wife, Windy, and three children; Stephen, Daniel and Kristina. A plaque honoring his sacrifice is displayed in the front office at Oak Grove High School.

References

• 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