Sgt. Byron W. Norwood

Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas, U.S.
Age: 25 years old
Died: November 13, 2004 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Incident: Killed during the U.S. assault on Fallujah.

Family-Placed Obituary

Sgt. Byron Wayne Norwood Sgt. Byron Wayne Norwood, USMC, was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, at 12:06 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2004. Byron was born in Austin, Texas, August 11, 1979, to Bill and Janet Aston Norwood, and was the third of five children. Byron graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1998 and was active in marching band, jazz band and drama. Upon graduation, Byron joined the Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers who served with the Marine Corps during WWII. After boot camp and then School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Byron returned to Austin for reserve duty and college from 1999-2000, and in late 2000 began active duty as a recruiter s assistant. He went to active duty with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in July 2001 as a Corporal. He completed a sea deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from June through December 2002. From February to May 2003, Byron s unit fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During a year back at Camp Pendleton, Byron spent time studying Arabic and was deployed to Iraq a second time on June 19, 2004. He was promoted to Sergeant July 1st, and participated in the training of Iraqi Special Forces as well as duty with Weapons Company. Byron believed strongly in the Marine Corps objective to assist in the rehabilitation of Iraq and in protecting the American people. He had a passionate love for his country, his family, his friends and God. Byron s captivating sense of humor and beaming smile enriched the lives of those around him. He shared his love for his family and friends openly and considered it an honor to be their protector. Byron was kind, sensitive and considerate, always placing others needs before his own. Byron s last selfless act was giving his life for his country. Byron is survived by his parents, William and Janet Norwood of Pflugerville, sister Kristen Norwood Hullum and husband, David of Pflugerville, brother Grant Norwood of Austin, sister Grayson Norwood of Austin, and brother Colin Norwood of Pflugerville, as well as grandparents Jake and Jeane Aston of Houston. Aunts and uncles include Ron and April Aston, Randall Aston, John Scott Norwood and Nancy Norwood. Cousins include Adam, Laura, Emily, Rachel, Melanie, Megan and Jason Aston, and Christopher and Cassandra Norwood. Byron was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Louise Norwood.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 11/19/2004.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post