Donald J. Hogan, 20

Marines, Lance Corporal

Based: Camp Pendleton

1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: August 26, 2009

Helmand province, Afghanistan

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: San Clemente

High School: Tesoro High (Las Flores)

Burial: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego

Hogan, whose parents adopted him when he was 5, always wanted to be a soldier. As a kid, every year on his birthday, he would ask for a toy gun. He was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near him while his unit was on foot patrol in southwest Afghanistan's Helmand province, on the Pakistani border. He was on his first tour in Iraq.

Tyler R. Walshe, 08/31/2009

John L. Hallett, III, 08/25/2009

44 memories of Donald J. Hogan

“

My wife and I wish to express our thanks for all of the kind words, thoughts and prayers from so many regarding the recent loss of our Son.

While his loss is horrific to his Mother, Sister and myself, we are comforted to know that he died in the Company of men he called brother, doing what he loved, and that he gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the men he served with.

While I miss my son beyond all measure, I know that he has gone to a better place.

He stands next to his Grandfather, the old Gunny, at the bar at Tun Tavern, in the Company of other Fallen Marine Heroes.

I see him and the rest of the Marines doing what all Marines do when they come home. Drink Cold Beer, swap campaign stories and watch over all of us from a position of honor.

Semper Fi Donald, you are immortal and a better man than I am.

Our son's memorial service will be this Monday, September 7th, at 11AM at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Laguna Hlls, CA.

All those who knew him are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made to the LCPL Donald Hogan Memorial fund, PO Box 73122 , San Clemente, CA 92673-0104

This fund will be for scholarships for the Children of Servicemen who have died defending our Country.

Thanks again to all!

” — Jim Hogan, September 1, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.

“

LCpl Hogan,
Thank you for all which you have given for me. Each day as I walk about I will give thanks to you for the free air I breathe because I am well aware that this freedom is purchased with the most precious possession...your life. My Grandson walked with you that day in Helmand Province and he seems to think that without you he would have most likely been killed, and if he thinks so that is good enough for me. So you see I have much more than the freedoms which I enjoy to thank you for. You sent a brother back home to be with family and friends. Our Marine is now in Bethesda healing and is expected to make a full recovery. I know where you are (your dad ratted you out) and one day I am sure that you will not be embarrassed when I walk up and give you a big hug. I'm pretty sure of that because real men don't feel threatened by a demonstration of genuine affection.

May your family and friends pass through a difficult time with the same strength and resolve with which you lived.

Semper Fi Marine
From an old salty dog...

” — Jack Langham, September 2, 2009 at 5:24 p.m.

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Donald J. Hogan, 20

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44 memories of Donald J. Hogan

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