Marc A. Lee: The First SEAL Fallen in Iraq, A Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice
An Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class (AO2) and the first Navy SEAL to fall in Iraq, a Silver Star recipient who repeatedly drew enemy fire to protect his teammates. He gave his life on August 2nd, 2006, during combat operations in Ramadi, Al Anbar Province, at the age of 28.
Service Record
- Branch
- USN
- Unit
- SEAL Team Three
- Station Assigned
- Coronado, CA
- Hometown
- Hood River, OR
- Family
- Survived by his parents, Debbie and Michael Lee; and his sister, Jennifer Drain.
- Fallen On
- August 2nd, 2006
Born in Hood River, OR, Marc initially dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, after a knee injury altered his path, he felt a strong calling to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 2001, driven by a profound sense of patriotism and a yearning to be part of something bigger than himself.
Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Lee successfully completed the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). He was assigned to SEAL Team Three in Coronado, California, where he quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and skilled operator. His unwavering commitment to his team and his mission was evident in everything he did.
Deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, with SEAL Team 3 in April 2006, Petty Officer Lee's unit came under heavy enemy fire on August 2nd, 2006, while conducting a dismounted patrol. Displaying exceptional bravery and selflessness, Marc repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire to provide cover for his teammates and draw attention away from their vulnerable positions. His courageous actions allowed his fellow SEALs to maneuver to safety and effectively engage the enemy. Tragically, during one of these selfless acts, Marc was mortally wounded.
For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Marc Alan Lee was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He also received the Bronze Star Medal with a "V" for Valor for his previous courageous actions in battle. His unwavering courage and ultimate sacrifice saved the lives of his teammates and stand as a powerful testament to the ethos of the Navy SEALs: "No man left behind."
Marc A. Lee's sacrifice resonates deeply within the military community and beyond. He is remembered for his infectious smile, his unwavering dedication, and his ultimate act of heroism. His legacy serves as an enduring inspiration for all who value courage, loyalty, and selfless service.
To learn more about Marc A. Lee and other fallen heroes, please visit:
On behalf of myself and everyone at BoneFrog Coffee, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of Marc A. Lee who gave his life for our country. Words cannot capture the weight of this loss or the gratitude we feel for his courage and sacrifice. He was more than a warrior, he was a brother, a patriot, and a man whose dedication to protecting our freedom will forever inspire us. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on in our hearts and in the values we strive to uphold. To his family, we share in your grief and stand with you, honoring his legacy with unwavering respect and gratitude.
Long Live The Brotherhood!
Tim Cruickshank LCDR, USN (SEAL) Ret. and the BoneFrog Coffee Team