Vazquez, Omar Justine
Male
Verified First Lieutenant Omar Justine Vazquez, 25, of Hamilton, New Jersey, was a U.S. Army officer killed in Al Kut, Iraq, on April 22, 2011.
Their Story
First Lieutenant Omar Justine Vazquez was a 25-year-old officer from Hamilton, New Jersey. He served with Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, based at Fort Hood, Texas.
Vazquez died on April 22, 2011, in Al Kut, Wasit Province, Iraq. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, he was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on a mounted patrol. No other details of the incident were publicly released.
His death occurred during Operation New Dawn, the U.S. military's post-combat mission in Iraq that began on September 1, 2010. The operation focused on advising and assisting Iraqi security forces. U.S. casualty rates were lower than in prior combat phases, but hostile attacks continued.
Vazquez's body was returned to the United States. A funeral service was held in his hometown. The Army posthumously awarded him the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.
He is remembered by his unit and community. In 2012, a street in Hamilton was dedicated in his honor as "1st Lt. Omar J. Vazquez Way."
Explore Further
First Lieutenant Omar Vazquez was killed during Operation New Dawn (2010?2011). The conflict concluded in December 2011. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Jenkins, Phillip Chad, Mcclamrock, James Fleet, Hansen, James Arthur, Burner, John Franklin Iii.
