MARINE REMEMBERED

Star-Telegram ^ | Apr. 17, 2003 | John Gutierrez-Mier

[Dubya]

FORT WORTH - It was a time for tears along with Wednesday night prayers at a small Baptist congregation just west of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

At the Baptist Church of the Open Door, Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin "Marty" Antonio Medellin was remembered for his warm smile, his mild manner, and his deep brown eyes.

Medellin was killed April 7, the first Fort Worth casualty since the war in Iraq started in March.

"If I was someone who could paint, perhaps a famous painter, I would paint about the wonderful life of Martin," said Josie Gomez, who like others in the congregation of about 100 saw Medellin grow from a boy into a young man eager to serve his country.

"I remember looking into his eyes as a young boy. Those eyes would melt your heart."

Medellin, 21, was a member of the Marine 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Military officials said he was killed when an Iraqi artillery round struck his vehicle.

Messages for Medellin and his family were displayed throughout the sanctuary. "We will miss you" and "We'll always remember your smile" were among the wishes written on poster boards that were fastened to the church walls.

Just to the right of the pulpit, a picture of Medellin in his Marine dress uniform was propped on an easel next to an American flag.

During the service, which was conducted in English and Spanish, worshipers were told that Medellin did not die in vain.

Freddy Medellin, the young Marine's father, said he was proud that his son died helping the Iraqi people gain their freedom.

"My son was truly honored to serve in the Marines," Freddy Medellin said. "He was proud that he was able to serve his country."

Midway through the service Wednesday, two Marines from the 14th Marine Regiment of the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth presented the Purple Heart to Medellin's weeping family.

Funeral information

A wake will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Baptist Church of the Open Door, 307 W. Exchange Ave. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

[Dubya]

Father says he's proud his son died helping Iraqis gain freedom

[Dubya]

Fort Worth Marine dies in combat

[Miss Marple]

Yes, that is what his father said. What a noble thing to say in the midst of so much grief!

God bless this family in their sorrow.

[jwalsh07]

God bless them.

[Dubya]

I will be at Marty's funeral Sat.. If anyone wants to post anything for his family, I will be honored to print it and give it to them.

[DLfromthedesert]

My son was 21 when he joined the Army. My heart aches for every parent who has lost a chid in this conflict.

But yes, they SHOULD be proud; and we should all be eternally grateful to these brave young people who have given so much to protect us.

[Dubya]

Thank you.

[Dubya]

Very well said. I was 17 when I joined the Marines.
Some of us are going to Marty's funeral and present a 3 foot x 5 foot USMC Flag to the family.

[jwalsh07]

You can tell them that my extended family will have their son in our prayers this Easter Sunday. We are a family of veterans from Ct and we honor those who serve and don't forget those who served and gave all.

[Dubya]

I sure will Jwalsh07. And thanks to you and your family for your service to our great country.

[Miss Marple]

To the Medellin family:

I wish I could be in Houston to tell you in person how very sorry I am for the loss of your son. Thank you for raising such an honorable and courageous young man. I will never forget his sacrifice for our country, and I will remember him and all of you in my prayers. God bless you.

Christa

[Arkinsaw]

I will be at Marty's funeral Sat.. If anyone wants to post anything for his family, I will be honored to print it and give it to them.

It is cold comfort for the grieving family, but he has entered a pantheon of heroes and will his actions will be remembered throughout history. He sacrificed himself for his family, his fellow soldiers, his countrymen both living and unborn, and for millions of strangers under oppression to give them a chance for a better life.

[EverOnward]

Thank you, Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin "Marty" Antonio Medellin, for your great sacrifice.

[God luvs America]

I don't know if anyone was watching TV this morning but CNN was flashing to Arlington Cemetary where two Marines who died in Iraq were seperately being buried.

One poingant moment was when they were folding the flag for the second Marine, I believe his name was Nixon, and his wheelchair bound mom and a few other relatives were sitting watching. They went over and handed the flag to his mom and two people, one of who looked as though it could've been his brother, started to cry.

I gotta tell you, I had to turn my head so my wife would not see me tearing up, it was very emotional.

God Bless them All!

[Maigrey]

I think a simple thank you for his service and sacrifice from all of us would be appropriate.

[Bedford Forrest]

God speed you home, Corporal Medellin. God bless you and your family.

[deadhead]

Rest In Peace
Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin "Marty" Antonio Medellin

Please extend my sympathy to Marty's family. I am so sorry. May Marty's family gain comfort and strength from God at this time. My Thoughts and Prayers are with all.

Colleen

[hadit2here]

A big, tearful salute to all our fallen troops!

[anymouse]

Marine taps ping.

[Dubya]

Thank you.