He told me they were facing some real challenges, that they had sustained several casualties, that this was an entirely different situation [than the initial invasion]. But he always left us with the assurance that he was going to be fine. 'Don't worry about me, I'm good.' He never said, 'I've got to get out of this place.'
    — Richard Gannon Sr., father

    When the elder Gannon pulled a hamstring with six miles to go in a marathon he was running with his son, the boy, then 9, ran on. A police officer who tried to get him to stop told his father: "You must be so proud of that kid -- he's running on pure guts."
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    Five memories of Richard J. Gannon II

    When i served with capt gannon i always noticed he put his tobacco in his upper lip. i aklways found that strange for a classy guy like him

    — andrew tuttle
    December 8, 2008 at 8:51 a.m.

    I was a corpsman that was attached to Capt. Gannon's platoon in 2003. before we deployed for kuwait, I got news of my grandmothers death, I was unable to return home for the funeral, the one thing I remember the most about him was how he treated me like he had known me for years, he was a kind and comforting man.When I got injured in the early part of the war in Iraq, he wrote a letter to my wife expressing his sincere apologies and gratitude for my work. He was a Great Marine, Human and Father, he is greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

    — Brian Alaniz
    February 28, 2009 at 9:58 p.m.

    Capt. Gannon was my last Platoon commander in the Corps in 1998. He came to 2nd Battalion/1st Marines in 1997 or 1998 as a 2nd Lieutenant. I should have noticed his passing a long time ago. I am truly sorry for your loss. He will be dearly missed. Thanks Capt. Gannon for everything.... SEMPER FI. If his family reads this, please contact me if you ever need anything.

    SEMPER FI,

    LCPL Jeff Goodrich
    Echo 2/1 1994 - 1998

    — Jeff Goodrich
    August 3, 2009 at 9:28 p.m.

    I miss every memory with my dad he was my bestfriend and every person he ever met loved him. Rest in peace dad love you more than anything

    — rj gannon
    April 15, 2011 at 1:18 a.m.

    Capt Gannon was my Plt. Commander when I was new into The Corps. I bearly found out of his passing. I am truly very sorry for his loss. And hope that God Blesses his wife & 4 Kids. He is a Hero & I Will always carry the memories of him in my Heart. Semper FI, Sr. My you guard the gates of Heaven, God Bless you SR.

    — Cpl Campos, Elenilson
    September 2, 2011 at 1:33 p.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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