A Brooklyn-born and raised Marine became the latest casualty in Iraq after heroically coming to the aid of a fallen comrade while under enemy fire. In 1998 John accepted a commission in the US Marine Corps as 2nd Lieutenant after successful completion in Officer's Candidate School. Upon completion of Basic School he was assigned to the 2nd Marine wing where he served with distinction to include tours in Uzbekistan/ Afghanistan as part of Operation enduring Freedom. He then went to serve as part of the initial invasion force during Operation Iraqi Freedom.


Captain McKenna left active duty in 2003 and entered into a career with the NYS Police. And graduated in 2005. John was compelled to return to Iraq in light of the war on terror

Marine Captain John J. McKenna IV, 30, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head while conducting combat operations in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, at about 8 p.m., August 16.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
SILVER STAR presented to Johns Family 6/16/07 at Ft. Hamilton (Brooklyn New York)
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States not justifying a higher award. It may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S Armed Forces, distinguishes him or herself by extraordinary heroism involving one of the following actions:

* In action against an enemy of the United States
* While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
* While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party

*****MORE PHOTOS of the Silver Star Presentation WILL BE ADDED*********