Zachary M. Alday

Died: June 9, 2006

Rank: Hospitalman

Unit: 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

Branch: U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Zachary M. “Zach” Alday was killed while riding as a passenger in a Humvee on June 9, 2006, in Iraq. His vehicle struck a land mine as it was carrying out combat operations against enemy forces. Alday had been serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Divi­sion, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), based at Camp Pendleton, California. His relatives and friends grieved the 22-year-old corpsman’s passing at funeral services held on June 19, 2006, at the Spring Creek Baptist Church in Donalsonville, Georgia. Alday was buried in the church’s cemetery. A United States Navy Honor Guard at­tended the burial as active pallbearers. Members of the local American Legion Post 157 were also present, serving in solemn tribute as honorary pallbearers.