Cpl. Jesse W. Stites
Born: March 8, 2024
Died: January 19, 2024 in Helmand, Afghanistan
Cpl. Jesse W. Stites of Palatka, Florida died at age 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Stites was a CH-53 crew chief who had been with the “Red Lions” since March 2009. The 2006 Interlachen High School graduate enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2008. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. His awards include, three Air Medals, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO ISAF Medal. He was part of the Lucky Red Lions helicopter squadron HMH-363. The unit deployed in August 2011 to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and is set to return home in March 2012. Their mission is to provide assault support, transport Marines and critical supplies, as well as equipment during expeditionary operations.
To be updated…
The Cpl. Jesse W. Stites by Freedom Remembered, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.
Jesse is a Hero.. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting this brave Marine while on this earth. I will shake his hand when we are reunited with Jesus in heaven.
My soon to be wife Jessie Lynn is Jesse’s aunt. She was in the delivery room with his mother as this Hero was born. She was the first person to hold him on this earth.. She was so proud when she carried him out of the delivery room to her brother Johnny Stites.
Jesse told his concerned family before he was deployed “If something happens and I die. I want everybody to know that I died doing what I love doing the most. Protecting my family.”
Thanks to the Stites family and all of the other families whose loved ones have gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. You are in my prayers.
Future Proud Uncle in-law of Cpl. Jesse W. Stites