Clarksville Soldier Killed While Serving in Operation Enduring Freedom

Friday, May 11, 2012 | 02:53pm

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder regretfully announce the loss of Tennessee soldier, Sergeant Jacob Michael Schwallie of Clarksville.
 
Schwallie and two other paratroopers were fatally injured when their military vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb on May 7, in Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Schwallie was serving with C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Specialist Chase Marta of California and PFC Dustin Gross of Kentucky were also killed in the explosion.
 
The 22-year old Clarksville native, graduated from Rossview High School in 2007. Schwallie enlisted in the United States Army in 2008.
 
“On behalf of the state of Tennessee, we extend our deepest condolences and continuous prayers for the Schwallie family,” Haslam said. “We are proud of Jacob’s service to his state and his country and will not take his sacrifice for granted.”
 
Schwallie is survived by his parents, Thomas C. and Melinda Schwallie, sister Rachel Schwallie, brother Stuart (Nasharyra) Schwallie and grandmothers Etta Schwallie Roach, Bettye Pyron. 
 
“It is with great sadness that we receive the news of Sergeant Schwallie’s ultimate sacrifice to his state and his country,” Grinder said. “This is the time to surround the Schwallie family with prayers and support as they mourn the loss of their heroic loved one.”
 
Sgt Schwallie will posthumously receive the Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal and has posthumously been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.
 
Sgt Schwallie’s Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12th at Madison Street United Methodist Church, 319 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN. A private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.