Remembering Fallen Corpsmen, Others
by Douglas Stutz, NMRTC public Affairs Officer
Naval Hospital Bremerton
May 30, 2021

The 57 etched names on the Hospital Corps Heroes Wall of Honor at Naval Hospital Bremerton were solemnly remembered in conjunction with Memorial Day on May 28, 2021.

 There were several wreaths ceremonially placed before the wall which displays those corpsmen killed on battlefields of Iraq to firefights in Afghanistan since 2001 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

“Honoring the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice is what we’re doing today. Remembering those who didn’t have the chance to come home is what we do,” said NHB Command Master Chief Rob Stockton.

The fallen corpsmen were memorialized on the wall of honor which was initially unveiled May 22, 2015, the culmination of a project by [two former staff members] Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force) Michael Nakamura and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force) Derrick Ward.

The results of their efforts is prominently located on the hospital’s busy third floor, seen by many during the course of the day. Buoyed by the command Hospital Corps Ball committee, it was determined that the Friday leading into the Memorial Day weekend would be a suitable moment to pause in remembrance for those lost in service to their country.

“It’s an honor to recognize these hospital corpsmen. They were ready when called upon and we stand upon their shoulders and others like them who came before us. Thank you to the Hospital Corps Ball committee for their work to put this together. It is important to reflect on heroism of these heroes. The hospital corpsmen on this wall were recognized for a single moment in time, because they were ready. Just like all of you, they were performing their duties with honor, courage and commitment, and they were ready when the moment came and they were called to into action.” commented Capt. Shannon J. Johnson, NHB commanding officer, readily acknowledging that the hospital corpsmen stationed at the military treatment facility represent the latest in the Hospital Corps rich tradition of service before self.

Those who are recognized on wall of honor are just like everyone here today,” added Johnson They had a desire to serve, just like you. They honored the trust placed in them, just like you, and they were ready when called. This is your legacy. The essence of the Hospital Corps is in all of you.”

The Dental Corps, Medical Corps, Medical Service Corps, and Nurse Corps also assigned to Navy Hospital Bremerton are as the Hospital Corps, familiar with the casualties – and fatalities – of war.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, American wars have hit hard many a generation.

In the Civil War, 1861-1865, the union lost 140,414 in battle and another 224,097 in theater. The confederate lost 74,524 and another 59,297 in theater, and that figure does not include the 26 to 31,000 who died in union prisons.

In World War One in the years 1917 and 1918, there were 53,402 battle deaths and other deaths were 63,114.

In World War Two, 1941 through 1945, we suffered 291,557 battle deaths, and another 113,842 fatalities in service.

In the Korean War, there were 33,739 battle deaths and another 2,835 other deaths in-theater and yet another 17,672 fatalities non-theater.

During the Vietnam War, 1964 to 1975, there were battle deaths totaling 47,134 with another 10,786 deaths in theater and 32,000 other deaths from 1955 to 1975.

During 1990 to 1991 Desert Shield and Desert Storm, there were 148 battle deaths with another 235 deaths in theater and 1,565 other deaths.

There has been well over 6,000 fatalities in the Global War on Terror that includes Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Overall, America has suffered upwards of 655,000 deaths in battle, along with 310,000 other deaths in theater and more than 230,000 fatalities non-theater over our nation’s history.

More Heroes

Our Heroes, America's Best | America's Greatest Heroes | Our Valiant Troops | Veterans | Answering The Call | Uncommon Valor

Honoring The Fallen | Don't Weep For Me | Remember The Fallen | Tears For Your Fallen | Our Wounded