June 29, 2011

Ralph E. Pate Jr.

Gunnery Sgt. Ralph E. Pate Jr., age 29, of Mullins, South Carolina, died on June 26, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. 

He was assigned to 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

Ralph was an explosive ordnance disposal technician. He joined the Marines in 1998 and was promoted to his current rank in 2009.

Jesus, pray for Ralph
During his time with the Marines, Ralph was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and was also deployed in 2009 and 2011 for Operation Enduring Freedom.

His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award.

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

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