| David Kenneth John Kreuter |
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June 25, 1979 Cincinnati, OH – August 3, 2005 Barwana, Iraq Sgt. David K. Kreuter, USMC Reserve, died in Iraq Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. He was one of 14 Marines killed in a track vehicle destroyed by a roadside bomb. A proud member of Lima Company, 3/25 Marines, based in Columbus, Ohio, his promotion to Sergeant was effective July 1, 2005, and announced at his funeral services. On March 25, 2006 he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing “V” for valor. This reflected his overall performance in Iraq as well as two specific battle citations. He leaves his wife, Chrystina Kreuter, whom he married Sept. 10, 2004, and son, Christian Oskar Hans Kreuter, born June 14, 2005. David was the brother of Kristin Kreuter and Laura Kreuter, and the son of Pat Murray and Ken Kreuter of Miami Township, Hamilton County. He was the grandson of Trudy Murray and the late Roy Murray, and the late Edith and Clifford Kreuter. David was the godson of Norm Clarke. He is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. David attended Miami Heights Elementary and Three Rivers Middle School. He was a 1997 graduate of St. Xavier High School, attended Ohio University and graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. David had been interested in joining the Marines for some years, especially since his senior year at St. Xavier. He wanted to serve, and he wanted to serve with “the best.” He joined the Marine Reserves in October, 1998, splitting time between college and the Marines for six years. He planned to attend Officer Candidate School after his tour of duty in Iraq, and pursue training in intelligence and languages. David knew the risks involved in Iraq, and was very confident in the preparation and ability of his unit and especially his fellow Marines. He was a wonderful, loving brother to his sisters. He was so happy to be married, and truly excited to come home to his new role as father and husband. He had a great sense of humor, and brightened the day for everyone. Nick Recker, classmate at St. X (’97) and Ohio U. said, “He was a great friend and will be deeply missed. David always had a great sense of humor. He was always upbeat and witty.” Josh Kauffman (St. X ’97) said, “He had one of those carefree, life-loving attitudes that I knew I envied.” Community: David was a member of Cub Scouts in Miami Heights, and Boy Scouts at Our Lady of Visitation parish, participating in numerous community service projects, Jamborees and Philmont adventures. He was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church in Delhi, serving as an Acolyte for several years. He was a regular participant in the St. Xavier Food Drive. Athletics: David was a member of baseball teams at Visitation parish and in the Three Rivers community, played SAY soccer at Visitation as well as Select soccer for Westside Soccer Club and Groesbeck Soccer Club. He ran Track at Three Rivers, and went on to run Cross Country and Track for St. Xavier. He played intramural volleyball at St. X, and intramural soccer at Ohio University. Will Bossert, St. X ’97, said, “…proud to have run with someone who pushed all limits to value and protect life in this world.” Family: David was a loving brother to his two younger sisters, being their role model and hero in life. He was the inspiration for their participation in soccer and running, and his running at St. X on state championship-level teams gave them a greater desire as they ran on state championship teams at Colerain High School. He was their irreplaceable “coach and cheerleader” in running and in life. David developed a strong interest in history, particularly in Civil War history, and military history in general, so family vacations all across the USA included stops at battlefields, museums, and historical points of interest. David had friends all around the world, as his parents were involved with a foreign exchange student program; every year he met students from other countries studying in the USA for a year. He participated in the Children’s International Summer Village (CISV) exchange program, staying with a family in Finland. U. S. Marine Corps: David joined the Marine Reserves in October, 1998 after his first year of college. His basic training and infantry training were at San Diego, CA; he was extremely proud that his platoons were Honor Platoon at both levels of training. He was an eager and prepared Marine in monthly drills and annual training exercises, and pursued the continuing study required by the Marines, attaining the rank of Corporal. He wanted to be “the best” as part of “the best”, and always prepared himself mentally and physically for the tasks at hand. In 2004, David participated in a six-month UNITAS deployment, training in Peru with elite military units from several countries in South America and Israel. In 2005, Lima Company was activated on Jan. 3, and deployed to Iraq the first week of March. According to his fellow Marines, David was meticulous in his preparation for his duties, and frequently volunteered for extra patrols and responsibilities. As a Fire Team Leader, he was always focused on his team’s complete readiness for action. He completed the requirements for promotion to Sergeant July 1, 2005. David planned to attend Officer Candidate School after his return from Iraq, and pursue training in intelligence and languages. Achievement Medal Citation Achievement Medal Certificate Proclamation in Recognition of David K. Kreuter |
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