Adam Malson
First Lieutenant, United States Army
November 7, 1981 – February 19, 2005
Age – 23
Rochester, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, Fort Drum, NY
Died from enemy fire after stopping to aid an injured Iraqi woman
1LT Adam Malson, 23, of Rochester Hills, Mich., was killed Feb. 19 by a suicide bomber in Baghdad while assisting a wounded Iraqi woman on her way to a mosque. He was based at Fort Drum. “I really think his compassion overcame him,” Ben Malson told the Detroit Free Press on Sunday. “He didn’t have to do that. He did what he felt was right. I think she must have felt comfort knowing that there was an American soldier over you, telling you everything’s OK.
He had been selected for training with the Army Rangers, an elite military unit similar to the Green Berets or the Navy SEALs. Adam was four months away from the end of his tour of duty He would have celebrated his third wedding anniversary in May with his wife, Lindsey, 24, who is also in the military with the 10th Mountain Division of the Military Police. They met at Michigan State University in the ROTC.
Adam Malson began getting interested in current events in middle school and that prompted a special nickname. “We used to call him ‘little Rush Limbaugh,’ he was so conservative,” his mother, Debra, said. “My dad was always very political. He adopted those views. He just felt it was important to defend his country.”
Malson graduated from Michigan State University in 2003. He played football, wrestled and in high school was recruited for the shot put because of his size. His sister, Amy, said though she was the big sister, he was always the strong one. “We were complete opposites. I used to wonder how we came from the same people. He was always fearless and brave,” she said. “He always had to be the best. If he couldn’t excel, he didn’t want to do it.” That included academics, specifically grade point average. “I’m sure that really irked him, that he had a 3.97,” she said.
1LT Malson was remembered as follows by two fellow soldiers.
“To the family of 1st LT Malson, I served with LT Malson. He was a great Officer and a great human being. LT Malson, I can never forget you, and all you have given. You had so much in life and you gave it all so that others could have it better, you died helping others. The Thanks I feel for your selfless service is beyond words. God be With You”
SSG Juhl of FT Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Malson Family,
It’s been just over a year since this world lost a great man and a great soldier. I remember in the fall of 2004 when Adam came home to see his wife Lindsey who at the time has been my Platoon leader up until she became the XO for our Company. I met him briefly and right off the bat I knew he was a fun loving guy and it showed he made Lindsey’s day when they were together. I was there the night my Squad Leader told me what happened to Adam and we both took a trip soon after to Lindsey’s house to comfort her because we had so much love and respect for her and wanted to be there in her time of need. She has been by far my best PL I have ever had and every time we go to a formal military function we always toast to Adam in his honor for he truly was a Leader soldiers would follow.
To LT Malson, Lindsey you have been such an inspiration of what it means to be a true warrior, and a young NCO like myself couldn’t have asked for a better LT. I am so sorry for your loss. I like other NCOs who have been around you since before we joined HHC know that Adam holds a special place in your heart and one in our souls. It’s been a highlight in my career to have served with you and my prayers go out to you and your family.
To Adam: You fought the good fight, now go with God and fight no more. Will take it from here Sir!!.”
SGT Michael Lang of Fort Drum, NY