James Malachowski

Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, age 25, died on March 20, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. 


James was from Maryland and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines.


James was previously an instructor in marksmanship and martial arts at Parris Island. He enlisted at age 17 and served tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2005.


His mother, Alison Malachowski, is a retired Marine, and a sister, Brandy Malachowski, served in Iraq as an Army lieutenant. 


Family members have no words to express the pain that they are feeling. 


James enlisted when he was 17-years-old and served three tours of duty in Iraq: From March 2004 to October 2004, July 2005 to February 2006 and January 2007 to July 2007.  He was a platoon leader and a decorated marksman.

James was a graduate of North Carroll High School in Hempstead, Md. and married his high school sweetheart. He was an avid bodybuilder, runner and car enthusiast.

God, the Father,
put James on the
stairway to heaven

Friends described him as a “Very, very, very enthusiastic young man -- very positive in everything that he did.”


His awards include: two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, two Iraq Campaign Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Family members said that “He was proud of his work. We were always so proud of him.”

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that James Malachowski is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen