Jesse L. Williams, 25

Army, Staff Sergeant

Based: Ft. Lewis, Wash.

5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) 2nd Infantry Division

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: April 8, 2007

Baqubah (died in Balad), Iraq

Married, 1 child

Gender: Male

Hometown: Santa Rosa

High School: Santa Rosa High (Santa Rosa)

Burial: Santa Rosa Memorial Park, Santa Rosa, Calif.

Known for being charming and humorous, Williams had promised his wife on their wedding day that he would make her laugh every day for the rest of her life.

Daniel J. Santee, 04/14/2007

James J. Coon, 04/04/2007

12 memories of Jesse L. Williams

“

Jesse was one of the finest examples of a hero, in so many way, while others dove for cover he ran into it to save others, never had to wonder where he was when things got bad, he would be there right in the front. Always shouldering more than his share of the load. He was destined for great things. Always looking at photos of his wife and child, knowing that he may draw the short straw someday. He talked to everyone the same, general or peers, if something was on his mind, it was going to be heard. He was the first guy I met in 5/20 and we served in several platoons together over the years. He spoke to everyone like a friend that he had always known. Quick to crack a joke to lighten the mood when things got heavy, after getting my ninth concussion I wasn't fit to conduct patrols, couldn't balance right, Jesse was the one man above all to lead our men in my absence. I wish beyond anything I could have kept going, an his life be spared, a chance to be the father he was supposed to be, the husband he had promised to be. Gone in an instant, I miss him every day, but even after 8 years, the loss is almost too much to bear. The only solace is hopefully when I arrive in Valhala there will be a seat for me.

” — Rich Watson, April 8, 2015 at 3:41 p.m.

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Jesse L. Williams, 25

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12 memories of Jesse L. Williams

Share a memory of Jesse