MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Major Ramon J. Mendoza Jr., commander for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, was fatally wounded by an improvised explosive device Nov. 14, 2005, but his fearless leadership, love for his men and dedication to the Corps was honored in a posthumous Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device ceremony here Friday.
More than 100 Marines, Sailors and loved ones gathered as Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, presented Karen J. Mendoza the Bronze Star Medal for her husband’s actions in Iraq.
“For a period of nine days, starting (Nov. 5, 2005), Echo Company made history,” said Maj. Gen. Natonski.
Company E, under Mendoza’s leadership, cleared more than 600 buildings, found 16 weapon caches and detained more than 300 insurgents, said Maj. Gen. Natonski.
In Husaybah, Iraq, without regard for his own safety, Mendoza positioned himself at the point of attack to maneuver his platoons and attachments.
While leading from the front, Mendoza enabled his company to defeat several enemy strong points and allowed the battalion to maintain its initiative as it advanced through the city.
“He was always right in the friction,” said 1st Sgt. Dennis J. Downing, company first sergeant, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. “He always thought his best point of view was right there with the Marines.”
Mendoza not only fought alongside his Marines, he made the effort to be acquainted with them on a personal level.
“He was really surprising,” said Sgt. David Sanchez, crew chief, a 3rd Amphibious Assault platoon attached to 2/1. “He really knew his Marines.”
Recalling a time when, in passing, Sanchez told Mendoza that he was leaving to attend a sister’s wedding; he was amazed that the following week Mendoza stopped him and asked him how the ceremony went. The two had met only briefly that one time.
“I’ve never met a guy like him,” said Lance Cpl. Josh D. Cole, an infantryman with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. “If I’ve ever met a man, he’s a man.”
The respect Mendoza’s Marines have for him is evident in the support they are giving his family.
“Ray’s (Mendoza) lance corporals are writing letters and calling me,” said Karen. “The outreach has been overwhelming.”
Karen’s poise and continued dedication to the Corps has amazed everyone around her.
“She’s a phenomenal example for all of us,” said Judy L. Svendsen, Karen’s long-time friend and the wife of Maj. Steven R. Svendsen, who is currently deployed to Iraq. “She’s always thinking of the military families, putting them first.”
Karen Mendoza met her husband at Ohio State University. After Mendoza’s graduation, he started to think about the Marine Corps.
“It was his calling,” said Karen, a reverent pride beaming from her face. “We were married and getting set to launch a family. He said, ‘I just need to do this.’ It was almost like a calling to the pulpit.”
She said the Bronze Star takes a backseat to the accomplishments made by her husband and his company.
“Awards are great, but the most fulfilling reward I can receive and our family can receive is knowing the Marines completed their mission,” said Karen. “His boys finished the job.”
Mendoza continues to lead and inspire even after his passing.
Karen recalls a day shortly after receiving news of the fatal IED attack that will stick with her forever.
Her eight-year-old son, Alec, wrote a note on a piece of paper and hung it from his bedroom door.
The note read, “Be a leader, not a follower.”
“He’s the best man I’ve ever met,” said (Ret.) Maj. Alex J. Echeverria, who was Mendoza’s rackmate at Officer Candidate School and served with him while both were platoon commanders in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. “(He had) impeccable character and morals, an outstanding human being.”
“He had the mentality that attracted people to him,” said Sgt. Maj. Sylvester D. Daniels, with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. “We all love Maj. Mendoza, make no mistake about that.”