AL ASAD, Iraq -- Faces full of tears and a somber mood filled the chapel as Marines from the Marine Wing Security Battalion 372, mourned the loss of a fallen brother, Dec. 5.
A memorial was held in honor of Cpl. Allen C. Roberts, 2nd squad, 2nd Platoon, Company B, MWSB-372, who died Nov. 28, while conducting a mounted combat patrol in defense of Al Asad, Iraq.
“He did his duty and paid the ultimate cost for the defense of his country,” said Lt. Col. Erik Kraft, the Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 commanding officer. “He was always running to the sound of the guns, doing his best to get into the fight and he died with his face toward the enemy. May he take his place on the long line of Marines who have gone before us.”
The Cisco, Ill., native was born in 1986 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2004.
Roberts deployed to Iraq from February to August in 2006, and was currently on his second tour which started in August.
“He volunteered to leave his (military occupational specialty) and unit to deploy with us despite already being deployed,” said 1st Lt. Chris Smith, the Bravo Company Commander for MWSB-372. “He was a good Marine, a solid (noncommissioned officer), but more important a good person. He was always in good spirits and had a smile on his face.”
Many of the Marines will remember him as Cpl. Roberts, a good NCO who was always there when you needed him, but most will remember him for his unwavering friendship and positive attitude.
“For the short time that I knew him, I felt we got to be great friends,” said Lance Cpl. Evan Tappan with the Bravo, MWSB-372, “He was the kind of friend who stands by you when you needed someone there. It seems to me that he cared more about others than himself.”
Roberts made a lasting impression on most of the people that he met and will not be easily forgotten.
“When I remember him, I think of his smile and his big laugh,” said Tappan. “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of the times we had and laughed together.”
Roberts, who is survived by his mother and father, worked everyday to ensure that others where safe.
“His actions everyday safeguarded (the service members and civilians) inside the base,” said Smith. “He gave his life in the defense of our country. He was a patriot and a selfless man, he will be greatly missed but not forgotten.”