Gunnery Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg, a 28-year-old Pittsburgh native, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Helmand province, Afghanistan, with 1st EOD Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was killed in action, Dec. 15, 2010, during combat operations in support of Regional Command (Southwest).
Justin graduated recruit training in May 2001 from Parris Island, receiving the bulk fuel specialist MOS. In August 2001, he reported for duty with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. He deployed to Kuwait from April to June 2003. In December 2003, he was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa, Japan and was accepted into the EOD field. Upon completion of EOD training, he later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February to September 2006, later he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. September 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as an EOD team leader with 4th Platoon, 1st EOD Company.
Justin was a man of faith and was active in his church. Schmalstieg, also known as “Smalls,” is remembered by his fellow Marines for his superior leadership skills. He was posthumously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
