Marine Lance Cpl. Brian P. Montgomery

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Brian P. Montgomery, 26, of Willoughby, Ohio.

Lance Cpl Montgomery died as a result of enemy small-arms fire while conducting dismounted operations outside Haditha, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Brookpark, Ohio. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, all were attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

“Brian had a deep conviction that he had to defend his country against terrorism,” his father, Paul Montgomery, said as he choked back tears.

“I know he’s in heaven because he died in hell,” the father said.

Montgomery’s widow, Pamela Montgomery, said her husband was proud to be a Marine and loved his country. She said the two fell in love immediately.

“You never believe in love at first sight until it happens to you,” she said.

Montgomery’s brother, Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Montgomery, said Brian was determined to make sure that his brother got home safely from Iraq, where the two served together with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines based in Brook Park in suburban Cleveland.

When Eric insisted that his brother’s safe return was more important because he was married with a 1-year-old son Eric said he responded, “I’ve got a responsibility to Dad and Mom to get you home.”

Eric Montgomery said he promised to take care of Brian’s wife and child if anything happened. “I said, ‘Brian I’ll do it ‘til the day I die.”’

On Saturday, Eric Montgomery escorted his brother’s body home.

Several people, some waving American flags, lined the streets near the church to show support for Montgomery, whose funeral was the first of several of the battalion members scheduled for this week in Ohio.

Among those in attendance were aging Marines who have made it their mission to ride their motorcycles to as many military funerals as they can.

Brian Montgomery was a smart, opinionated business owner who leaves behind a wife and son, and his brother, Eric, who is also in Weapons Company. I recall on numerous occasions after returning from a mission, Brian would find Eric to make sure he was okay. "Monty", as we called him, would argue a point he didn't even believe, just for the sake of debate. (Eulogy written by Sgt Casagrande, a scout sniper)

Marine Lance Cpl Brian P. Montgomery was killed in action on 08/01/05.