Lance CPL Aaron Cole Austin
“From Your Precious, Perfect Son.” That’s how Aaron Austin signed his letters to his mother while he was stationed in Iraq. De’on Miller said her son was definitely the class clown, but that he really was “a perfect son who brought joy and laughter.”
Aaron Cole Austin was born July 1, 1982 in New Mexico to Doug Austin and De’on Miller. Aaron attended school in Lovington, graduating from Lovington High School. Following graduation, he moved to Amarillo where his father and brother were living. He was living in Sunray in 2001 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
Following training at Camp Pendleton, LCPL Aaron Austin was deployed to Iraq, serving in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, RCT 1, 1st Marine Division, l Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Iraqi Freedom II, eventually becoming the Machine Gun Team Leader. On April 26, 2004, on his second tour of duty to Iraq, LCPL Austin’s platoon was attacked by a much larger enemy force from three different directions. The following is an excerpt from the Silver Star Citation statement from the President of the United States, awarded posthumously to LCPL Austin:
“In the first 15 minutes of the attack, the enemy fired dozens of rocket-propelled grenades, thousands of machine gun rounds, and then assaulted to within 20 meters of Lance Corporal Austin’s position. While throwing grenades and spraying their positions with AK-47 fire, 16 of his fellow Marines on the rooftop position were wounded, some severely. After ensuring his wounded platoon members received medical treatment, he rallied the few remaining members of his platoon and rushed to the critical rooftop defensive position. Braving withering enemy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire, he reached the rooftop and prepared to throw a hand grenade. As he moved into a position from which to throw his grenade, enemy machine gun fire struck Lance Corporal Austin multiple times in the chest. Undaunted by his injuries and with heroic effort, Lance Corporal Austin threw his grenade, which exploded amidst the enemy, halting their furious attack. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Austin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”
When then Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson learned of LCPL Austin’s death, he ordered flags across the state be flown at half-staff for two days in honor of his sacrifice for his country and his fellow Marines. Aaron Cole Austin’s body was returned to Amarillo where he is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Texas Panhandle War Memorial is humbled by the valor and heroism of LCPL Aaron Cole Austin. Semper Fi.
