Marcelino Ronald Corniel, 23

Army National Guard, Sergeant

Based: Fullerton

1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: December 31, 2005

Baghdad (southern part), Iraq

Engaged

Gender: Male

Hometown: La Puente

High School: Bassett Senior High (La Puente)

Burial: Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Covina Hills

Corniel was killed just hours after his final call home on New Year's Eve. He and his fiancee had planned to marry in Las Vegas less than a month later.

Robbie M. Mariano, 01/05/2006

Sergio Gudino, 12/25/2005

23 memories of Marcelino Ronald Corniel

“

I will always remember Sgt Corniel as an eager person always wanting to get into the mix and as an amazing weapons guru..He came with me as a replacement, as a true volunteer, at a time when the fighting was at its worst. A time when the battalion was covering an immense area of operations with the same number of soldiers, day in and day out.. I remember that fateful day, when I felt powerless, helpless, and full of rage, hearing those mortar rounds launch and moments later impact near Sgt Corniel's post. It is a moment in time I will carry forever.. Every Dec 31st, I visit his grave and pay my respects to a fallen brother and to his family for raising such a fine young man.. God Bless You Sgt Corniel and your loving family, You are truely missed....

” — SFC Joe Carbajal, August 5, 2009 at 12:43 p.m.

“

You are missed very much. I think of you often. You would have laughed at me when i cried like a sissy when i found out you were killed. I remember the good time in the Corps and me busting your balls to help me with my spanish, so I could hook up with the chicas in Espana. The last time I saw you was in Camp Lejuene . You had just got back from Japan.Then you were a civilian. I had no idea you had joined the Cal Guard. I especially remember you busting my balls over girls i hooked up with. You were a good but critical wingman..LOL.. Your family was awesome when i stayed with you in So Cal before our Spain deployment. I know your sisters miss you very much. Thanks for introducing me to your friends and hot female friends,
"wink, wink"...Cant forget O' Gradys Irish Pub in Spain either. Man we sure got "tanked " there and had some kick ass times!!! We had some good times bro. Rest in peace my friend. I have our pics from all over the world in close view. Semper Fi, do or die!!!

” — Sgt Dustin Long, October 17, 2009 at 9:04 p.m.

“

I am from England and I was in a band a fair few years ago. We met Ronnie online and when we came to the States, we stayed with him and his generous Mother, Sisters and Grandmother for two weeks. He was the kindest host we could hope for and nothing was too much for him. He was proud of his service with the USMC and it seemed that he felt his time had been served. Obviously he felt different and he went back over there to finish his business. I was apprehensive when I found out, I felt he'd done his share. Myself and the lads over here who knew him were absolutely devastated to hear of his passing. The guy was wonderful. Simple as that. That was nearly 6 years ago but i think about him often. RIP friend.

” — Ben Rice, October 21, 2011 at 2:45 p.m.

“

I knew Ronnie from when we were kids. We went to school from 5th to 8th grade. My dad was a Marine recruiter and even at that young age Ronnie was so invested in becoming something more than himself, someone who would serve and fight and eventually give his life for our country--there is honor in that. A friend of mine told me Ronnie was KIA and I didn't want to believe it. I am married to someone in the military and I have come to understand that for most, it is a calling in life, something that not everyone can understand. I am a mother too, and I remember Ronnie's mother and how he was her only son and how he also leaves behind 2 half sisters. I can understand why she feels the way she does. I believe we all have a destiny and I believe Ronnie carried out his with courage and honor and that is how I will always remember him. I have gone to visit his gravesite when I am in Southern California and every time I do, I always leave a single yellow rose on his marker, signifying the respect I have for him for his service and for the friendship we had all those years ago. RIP Ronnie, I'm sure I'll see you again my friend.

” — Danielle Allen, January 17, 2014 at 9:01 a.m.

“

Marcelino or as I knew him, Ronnie. I met him in high school through band. Two things he was always passionate about were music and the military. A little rough around the edges and he could sure roast you and break your balls, but the more you got to know him the more you could see he was a great and genuinely kind person with a huge heart. He was also an immensely talented songwriter and I was lucky enough to play with him in a couple of bands. I had a great time and there were always lots of laughs in those groups. Not a year goes by when we honor our servicemen that you don't cross my mind Ronnie. Thank you for your service to this country and for the fond memories.

” — Manuel Alonso, May 29, 2017 at 9:36 a.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Marcelino Ronald Corniel, 23

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23 memories of Marcelino Ronald Corniel