<p>A "Shield of Strength" hung on the chain around Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe's neck when the Army Ranger and two other soldiers were killed in a car bomb explosion at an Iraqi checkpoint.</p>
<p>The 1-by-2-inch shield, which Capt. Rippetoe wore along with his military dog tags and a Christian cross, displayed a U.S. flag on one side and a quote from Joshua 1:9 on the other: "I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, or discouraged, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go."</p>