TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

BRAVERY - HUMOR - LEADERSHIP

Richard John Gannon II graduated from Escondido High School, and attended Cornell University on a Navy ROTC scholarship, graduating with a double major in Political Science and History. He took advanced leadership training at the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995.

On 17 April 2004, then-Captain Richard John Gannon II was serving as Commanding Officer, Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central command while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, while Capt Gannon was leading his company to reinforce a besieged sniper observation post, his unit came under intense rocket-propelled grenade, medium machine gun, and small arms fire. Capt Gannon's combined anti-armor team countered this attack with a destructive direct assault employing heavy machine gun fire and guided missiles. While Company L assaulted a fortified position, housing an enemy squad-size force, Capt Gannon employed rockets, heavy machine guns, and snipers to support the maneuver of his platoons. The assault section leader was struck by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded during this engagement. While the section leader was evacuated from the street into the cover of a compound courtyard, Capt Gannon continued to press the attack, steadily moving forward to assist the wounded Marine. Maneuvering through the enemy fire while ignoring his own safety, Capt Gannon entered the courtyard to search for the wounded Marine. Upon entering a house, Capt Gannon exchanged small arms fire and grenades with nine Mujahideen fighters and fell mortally wounded.

Capt Gannon’s bold leadership and courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Character Strength Story:

Bravery- He died leading the battle.

Humor- Rick had a love for shenanigans. He was the first to make fun of himself and others in his songs at the Phi Sig fraternity.

Leadership- Rick loved to make memories with his family and led many activities such as scouting.

-Submitted by Sally, Surviving Wife