J. P. Blecksmith
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James Patrick Blecksmith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | J. P. |
| Born | September 26, 1980 Pasadena, California |
| Died | November 11, 2004 (aged 24) Fallujah, Iraq |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | April 2003 – November 2004 |
| Rank | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division |
| Battles / wars | Iraq War Operation Phantom Fury Operation Iraqi Freedom II |
| Awards | Bronze Star Purple Heart |
James Patrick Blecksmith (September 26, 1980 – November 11, 2004) was an American military officer who became the first officer killed during Operation Phantom Fury in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
United States Naval Academy
Blecksmith was born in Pasadena, California, on September 26, 1980. He attended Valentine School in San Marino through 2nd grade before his family moved to Seattle, Washington in 1989. After two years, the family returned to Southern California, and Blecksmith enrolled at Flintridge Preparatory School, where he graduated in 1999. Upon graduation from high school, Blecksmith entered the United States Naval Academy in June 1999.[1] Blecksmith's father, Edward, had served in the Marines during the Vietnam War.[2]
Although heavily recruited, Blecksmith saw limited action on the field for the Naval Academy. He fit the prototype of the 21st-century quarterback at 6'3" and 216 pounds, with a strong arm, but Navy ran a triple-option offense, where the quarterback was more of a runner than a passer.[2] As a backup quarterback, he completed 3 of his 4 passes, returned 2 kickoffs, and caught a pass as a wide receiver during the Army–Navy Game in 2001.[3]
Military career
After graduating from the Naval Academy in May 2003, Blecksmith was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.