The Iraq War
The Iraq War began on March 20th, 2003, when an American-led coalition invaded Iraq with the objective of removing Iraq’s authoritarian leader Saddam Hussein from office under the code name Operation Iraqi Freedom. An extensive and protracted military presence was required to establish a new government in Iraq and to ensure that new government’s stability amid insurgencies and sectarian violence; as a result, American troop commitments peaked at approximately 170,000 servicemembers during the course of the conflict.
The war proper ended on December 18th, 2011, upon the conclusion of the Obama Administration’s troop drawdown under Operation New Dawn. However, a sizable United States military presence remains in the country, and U.S. forces have seen combat in the region against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, which is still ongoing.
Over 4,400 American servicemembers have died in the Iraq theater since March 2003. Many more were wounded or experienced psychological trauma.
Six Manatee County servicemembers lost their lives on active duty in Iraq. A map marking the locations at which each servicemember was mortally wounded or killed in action is included below. Their names are listed in the chronological order of their passing as well, with each name linking to a more detailed interactive biography.
Marine Private First Class Christopher R. Cobb
Army Specialist Justin B. Schmidt
Marine Lance Corporal Scott E. Dougherty
Army Staff Sergeant Paul C. Mardis, Jr.
Army Staff Sergeant John L. Hartman, Jr.
Army Specialist Christopher M. North