Gary A. Koehler
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
March 29, 1985 – November 1, 2006
Age – 21
Ypsilanti, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC
Killed while conducting combat operations in Hadithah, Iraq
He was born March 29, 1985 in Ypsilanti to Ron and Mary (Goodney) Koehler. Gary graduated from Milan High School in 2003 where he played football and baseball. He also was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor. On February 17, 2006 he married Hillary Moss and she survives. Gary was a wonderful husband, son, brother, dedicated marine and great friend.
He was remembered by fellow Marines with the following memorials.
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of your son. You might not know me, but I was Koehler’s Section Leader until June 05. He was an outstanding man and a great Marine. I apologize for your loss and want to say thank you for raising such an outstanding person.
Sincerely,
Sgt. Hall, Daniel C
I had the honor of briefly being Cpl Koehler’s platoon commander when he first joined the Scout Sniper Platoon with 1/8. I will always remember him as incredibly sharp and motivated. He was a true Marine warrior and dedicated and unselfish in his service to his country.
I promise that your brothers carry you in our hearts always and you will never, ever be forgotten.
“From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother”
Semper Fidelis
Captain Michael Pretus & Family