Staff Sgt. Charles Isaac Cartwright
Born March 23, 1983 in Westminster, MD Died Nov. 7, 2009 in Farah province, Afghanistan
Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright was from Union Bridge, Maryland. Charlie was not only mischievous growing up, but he was good. A good kid who lived life to its fullest and wore a brilliant smile. A 2001 graduate of Walkersville High School he had one main dream in his life, and that was to be a United States Marine. He enlisted just before the events of 9-11-2001. He graduated from Parris Island in December of 2001 and Infantry School the following month. In September of 2006 he was promoted to Sergeant and the next month joined the newly formed Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, trained in reconnaissance. Charles served three tours of duty in Iraq and was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, based at Camp Pendleton, California and died November 7 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. His military awards include: three Purple Hearts, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, two Iraqi Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, NATO Medal and two Certificates of Commendation. Charles had his dream, and he lived it. As a Marine, Charlie was known to be cunning and a bit crazy, but also a comfort, charming, and a friend to his fellow soldiers. Those who knew him had one main thing to say about him, “If you knew him, you were lucky.” His wife of eleven months, Marissa; his parents H. Michael and Carol Ann Cartwright; a sister Rebecca and several other relatives survive Charles. Charles was promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant posthumously and awarded his third Purple Heart. He was cremated.
As a Vet myself and former cnative of the state of Maryland I’am saddened by the loss of Sgt. Cartwright. But it was quite obvious after reading his achievements that he was quite a guy. It makes my day to see how our great country has been blessed to have such committed young people as Sgt. Cartwright. While freedom is not free, it comes at a huge price. God has blessed America by giving us young people like this man to serve in the cause of freedom. I salute him and thank his family for raising him with a sense of dedication, loyalty and committment.