Catherwood, Alec Ernst
Male
Verified Lance Cpl. Alec Ernst Catherwood, 19, of Byron, Illinois, was a U.S. Marine killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on October 14, 2010.
Their Story
Alec Ernst Catherwood was a 19-year-old from Byron, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned as a lance corporal to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Pendleton, California. His unit deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
On October 14, 2010, Catherwood was killed during a patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province. The Department of Defense stated he died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations. His unit, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, was engaged in intense counterinsurgency efforts in Sangin, an area known for a high concentration of improvised explosive devices and Taliban activity.
Catherwood's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2009, a surge of U.S. forces was ordered, with a significant number of Marines deployed to Helmand province to secure population centers and disrupt Taliban networks. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines arrived in Sangin in the fall of 2010, a period marked by heavy casualties for the unit.
His death was reported by the Department of Defense and noted in local and national media. In his hometown of Byron, Illinois, flags were reportedly flown at half-staff. He was survived by his parents and siblings.
Lance Cpl. Catherwood was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He is memorialized on the 'Darkhorse' battalion's casualty list and on the Afghanistan War casualty roll at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. His name is inscribed on the Ogle County, Illinois, Veterans Memorial.
Explore Further
Lance Cpl. Catherwood was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
