Longtime Marine dies in Iraq
By: North County Times | ∞
CAMP PENDLETON --- A 23-year Marine veteran who had achieved the highest enlisted rank in the Corps died Wednesday in Iraq, according to the Pentagon.
Sgt. Maj. Joseph J. Ellis, 40, of Ashland, Ohio, was the sergeant major of Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15 Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is a special operations team. The expeditionary unit is part of Camp Pendleton's I Marine Expeditionary Force.
According to biographical information from the unit, Ellis joined the Marines in 1984 and moved up the enlisted ranks, mostly in reconnaissance units. He served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, and later served in Hawaii, North Carolina and on Camp Pendleton.
Little information about Ellis' death was available Friday evening. He died the same day and in the same region as the downing of a helicopter carrying seven U.S. troops, including two Marine pilots. It was not immediately clear whether Ellis died in the helicopter incident or elsewhere in the Anbar province.
His death brings the number of Camp Pendleton- and Miramar-based Marines to die in the war to at least 324.
Family members of Ellis could not be reached for comment. Ellis' military biography sketches out a career in communications and reconnaissance. He served as a radio operator and supervisor in Japan, and a communications instructor for an infantry school on Camp Pendleton.
After spending more than a year in the Middle East during the first Gulf War, he returned to Camp Pendleton as a company communications chief. He served a recruiting duty stint in Cleveland, just north of his hometown of Ashland, for three years, and then served a tour in Hawaii as a radio chief and a battalion communications chief.
As he continued to move through the ranks, he served as an infantry school instructor until the start of the Iraq war in 2003, when he returned to Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. He was named the battalion's sergeant major in December of 2004.
Ellis' awards, according to his military biography, include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinction and one gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.
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Semper Fi Brother! wrote on Feb 10, 2007 11:11 AM:Rest in Peace! Your work is done. We will continue your mission from here! Peace to this warriors family, friends and comrades!
Concerned wrote on Feb 10, 2007 4:15 PM:Thank you for your service. You are a true "American hero".
morty wrote on Feb 10, 2007 8:54 PM:WOW WHAT A GREAT LIFE HE MUST HAVE HAD A VERY FULL FILLING LIFE. VERY PROUD WE HAVE MEN LIKE THIS ON OUR SIDE I WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE HIM AS MY SON.
Jane wrote on Feb 10, 2007 9:19 PM:He was not in the helicopter. He was a true warrior.
I knew him wrote on Feb 10, 2007 10:11 PM:This man was the picture of a Marine I tell you. Rest his soul.
SgtMaj Williams wrote on Feb 11, 2007 6:46 AM:SgtMaj Ellis was picture perfect Marine, none better. He was also my friend. I pray God's comfort on his family and friends. Semper Fi. I'll miss you much Bro.
annie wrote on Feb 12, 2007 1:30 PM:Major Ellis was a true defender of our country. Our prayer goes to his family.
HM2(FMF) Clayton wrote on Feb 12, 2007 9:49 PM:R.I.P. SgtMaj. You and your family are in our prayers!! It was a pleasure serving with you.
mitch wrote on Feb 14, 2007 12:23 PM:I worked under "Gunny Ellis" several years ago while he was our communications chief. Although I hadnt spoken with him in years his death is unfortunate to say the least. SgtMaj Williams wrote it best " SgtMaj Ellis was the picture perfect Marine, none better." Whenever I told people about my four years in the Marines id always include stories about "Gunny Ellis"
SGT Pitzer wrote on Feb 15, 2007 10:00 AM:Sgt Maj Ellis was my battalion sgt maj in 2/4, he was the best leader I have ever been under and such a charasmatic man, I looked up to him as many others did I will never forget him. Semper Fi Sgt Maj Ellis.
angie wrote on Feb 20, 2007 7:10 PM:wow...what dedication.....may he rest in peace....my prayers go out to his family...semper fi
sgt. ohene wrote on Mar 26, 2007 3:54 PM:this warrior taught me what it meant to to be a proud marine, he was my 1st.sgt through SOI, i lost my eye in iraq living up to his image. and i would follow him to hells gates. semperFi sgt. maj.
Sgt Stanger wrote on Jun 2, 2007 5:19 PM:This man taught me a lot about being a leader. I am very proud to have served with SgtMaj Ellis. Rest In Peace Older Brother, see you later. Semper Fi.
chelsea wrote on Jun 29, 2007 12:14 PM:He was a true hero, there was no ther way he would have wanted to die. He died the way he wanted. I misshim dearly. Rest In Peace Uncle Joe. I love you n miss u
MSgt wrote on Dec 16, 2007 11:34 AM:SgtMaj Ellis Was One of my Battalion Communications Chiefs when he was a Gunnery Sergeant during my tour as Regemental Communications for 3rd Marine Regiment from Aug 95 Nov 99. I saw a photo of his head stone at Arlington Cemetery published in a magazine. I was not sure it was him until I saw his photo today in a press release. He was one TOUGH MARINE in all respects. "One Marine Reporting Sir. I Served My Time in Hell. Semper Fi
Cole wrote on Mar 11, 2008 8:56 PM:Gunney, Lessons that you taught me years ago I still follow today. I appreciate all that you did for us. I am a grown man and not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby when I went to Arlington to see your headstone.....Semper Fidelis Sir!
jessi wrote on Jul 21, 2008 11:42 PM:Joe, you were a great man, a great marine. I am proud to be able to call you family
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