GySgt Herman Jerome Murkerson, Jr., served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps when he was Killed-In-Action in Anbar Province near Baghdad on October 1, 2007, during his third tour of duty. He was attached to the Marine HQ Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing of the Second Expeditionary Force. He was a dedicated Marine, father, and husband. A 1990 graduate of Oak Grove High School in Jefferson County, Alabama, he was survived by his wife, Windy and three children, Stephen, Daniel, and Kristina. He was posthumously awarded The Bronze Star for bravery in helping to save the lives of four fellow soldiers and an interpreter.