IN Memory: SFC David James Todd, Jr


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SFC David James Todd, Jr

US Army, OEF

May 26, 1972 - August 20, 2008

Bala Murghab, Afghanistan

Purple Heart and Bronze Star Recipient

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In Loving Memory of our Son, 

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Our son was a soldier that every man wants to be, a father that every man hopes to be, and a friend who was admired and respected by all those who knew him, a true and honest human being that was always there for you. He's the definition  of a true hero, never giving up until the mission was done, and never ever leaving a fellow soldier behind. That was proven in a fierce battle in Bala Morghab, Afghanistan August 20, 2008, when he came to the aid of 12 soldiers. He firmly believed this motto: “no man left behind": 

A soldier that was saved that day, writes "On 20 August 2008 American Soldiers were involved in a nine hour battle in which a twelve man patrol became beleaguered and in dire need of extraction from overwhelming Taliban forces. Sergeant First Class David J. Todd, organized a quick reaction force of American  soldiers and came to the aid of his men. SFC Todd served as a gunner during the fight, and recovered his brothers through a barrage of small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade impacts. He was killed during the extraction of the patrol from the city of Joy-I-Khawaja just 3 kilometers south of Bala Morghab.. 

After the battle of 20 August 2008, the American flag grommets were severed from its halyards’ never to be flown again and it was to be used to drape the body of our friend Sergeant First Class David J. Todd. However, this flag was remounted

upon the pole to mark the base during a Taliban counter-attack upon the patrols return. It is because of David’s sacrifice that the 12 men of the patrol survived. We will never forget David – our  brother. He was a leader of men. David was committed to his men and moreover he loved his family and country. Often we would see him awake at sunrise talking to his love ones. He and the other fathers shared stories of their children and old memories of each of their childhood. One of our favorite memories of David is when his team stationed in Delaram, Afghanistan was preparing dinner. A young soldier attempted to grill steaks for the team, only  to completely burn the first rack of steaks. David, pushed him aside and began to prepare the steaks, taunting him for his age and inexperience at the grill. It is a simple memory, but to his team, so was David. He was a proud son, loving brother, father, husband and friend. His leadership qualities are a continuing

yardstick for other’s to strive for.

Our son was a fair leader, always pushing the guys just a little bit more than they thought they could handle, and he knew their potential. What a go getter, never did anyone think to say they were done or couldn't go on, in SFC Todd's platoon that just wouldn't fly. His troops will never forget his love for that 

darn cup of coffee! Even in the miserably hot, humid temperatures of Fort Polk, Iraq or Afghanistan you would never see him without a cup of java in his hand! (or on his desk) When K TRP was deployed to Iraq the request from our son was

"send more coffee!" That I did, coffee, BBQ sauce, and beef jerky, were his favorites! One of his friends stated: “He's a wonderful man and will be missed terribly. To Dave's fellow soldiers: make SFC Todd proud. Go a little above and beyond, take charge; show a fellow soldier the "way" just as he did for you, give 110%

every day, you know he wouldn't accept any less from you! Never forget the sacrifices he and other hero’s like him have made for us, we should forever be thankful to them and their families. Thanks Dave for all the memories, laughs, and good times. Rest in peace my friend; your job here is done. Scouts out!

Our son’s passing is extremely painful; he was the older of two children. He and his sister, Stephanie were very close, even though the miles separated them, their love for each other followed them throughout their lives. People have said “time heals all wounds”. I have a different outlook on something like this;

I see that our lives have changed and it will be like this forever. Holidays, birthdays, special occasion’s etc., are so painful it is indescribable, there will always be an empty seat at the table.

"No greater love is that of a soldier to lay down his life for his fellow man".

Thank you and God Bless

 

Mary and David J. Todd, Sr

Gold Star