Jonathan W. Edds
First Lieutenant, United States Army
January 18, 1983 – August 17, 2007
Age – 24
White Pigeon, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, GA
Died of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked with improvised explosive device and small arms fire
Jonathan Edds, a native of White Pigeon, Mich., and the middle of three brothers, graduated from West Point in 2005 and married Laura Edds that summer.
“When you think about military guys, most people stereotypically think of a very tense, serious individual. But Jon was laid-back and fun to be around, yet he was very good at his job,” said Laura Edds. “That was something I admired about him.”
Like both of his brothers, Jonathan W. Edds was a top student at White Pigeon High School who received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His brief military career ended in Baghdad, Iraq, where he was killed by a homemade bomb.
“The boys’ accomplishments speak volumes about Barry and Julia Edds and the boys themselves – their work ethic and determination. All the right stuff, this family has it. It’s a great loss.” Edds excelled in the classroom and was a solid performer on his high school’s cross country and basketball teams before graduating in 2001, West said. “He was good at everything,” the principal said. “But from my perspective, John’s outstanding characteristic was his kindness towards others. He was just a friend to all students.”
Joel Edds, who recently returned from a 16-month tour in Afghanistan, said it was his brother who first came up with the idea of going to West Point. Joel entered in 2000 and John followed a year later, while Josh, the youngest brother, is starting his senior year at the academy. Jonathan Edds went to the Mideast last winter and recently was selected to be a scout platoon leader, in charge of about 40 soldiers whom he led on reconnaissance missions. He was killed during the first week in his new position. “John loved what he did,” said his older brother. “John loved his solders. He loved his country and he believed in the mission.”
One of his soldiers wrote:
Mrs. Edds,
I am Sgt Norris I Wiley, I was the gunner for LT Edds, I was Saber 1G, I wish to tell you that I pray for him everyday and that I was proud to have fought for him, even with my own grievous injuries, until there was no enemies left. I hope you all remember him for the funny but strong and integrity driven man that he was. Find peace at Fiddler’s Green sir, find peace with the Lord, he has a special place in his heart for us Scouts.
Scout outs.
Sgt Wiley, Norris Saber 1G
LTC Pete Kilner wrote:
I had the privilege to spend about two hours with Jon at Strongpoint Bataan, south of Baghdad, on 30 April. His tank platoon was attached to a mech infantry company, which was attached to a light infantry battalion and brigade.
I first noticed Jon in the dining tent, where he and his NCOs were enjoying breakfast. Their respect and fondness for their LT was obvious, so I asked Jon for an interview, to hear about his leadership experiences. Jon was an exceptionally competent and confident leader. What got along and worked together. When I asked to take a photo of him, Jon insisted that all his tank commanders be included too, “because,” he said, “we’re a team, and I’m nothing without them.”
His PSG took me along on a clearing mission, and he talked about how great it was to have a PL like LT Edds, who knew his job and treated everyone well as he got the mission done.
Jon represents the best of what it means to be a leader in war. Thank you, Jon, for your service and thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Edds, for raising such an impressive man.