Spc Richard Aguon DeGracia Naputi Jr
Born: October 7, 1981, Guam
Died: December 20, 2005 in Taji, Iraq
Spc. Richard A. DeGracia Naputi of Talofofo, Guam was a jolly boy and was always happy. He was always the one in a conversation making jokes. He grew up to become a very dedicated and loyal man who put his heart and soul into everything he put his mind to. This included taking care of his family and of course, his wife. Richard understood that freedom wasn’t free. He had just been home for a week of rest and relaxation in September for the Talofofo fiesta, and his military commitment would have been complete in January 2006. Army officials had wanted to give him a higher rank, but he declined the honor and a possible military career so that he could go back to Guam to start a family with his wife. He still wanted to serve his country and had planned to join the Guam National Guard. He died at age 24 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Also killed was Army 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary. He leaves his wife, Brianne, and his parents, Elaina and Richard Naputi, among others. Governor Felix P. Camacho officially renamed the Talofofo Baseball Field in honor of the late Army Specialist Richard Junior DeGracia Naputi. It was the same field that Richard played ball in on weekends and after school.
Army
1st Battalion
15th Infantry Regiment
3rd Brigade
3rd Infantry Division
Fort Benning, Georgia
Burial is at Guam Veterans Cemetery in Piti, Guam – Sec H Row J Site 15
