SPC Douglas C. Desjardins
2-37 Armor
Killed in Action: 5 Nov 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq

SPC Douglas C. Desjardins, C Co, 2-37 AR, was killed in action at age 24 on 5 November 2006. Known as “DJ” by his fellow Soldiers, Desjardins was raised in both Mesa, Arizona. and Scio, Oregon, and enlisted in the Army in 2004 after working in sales for a few years after high school. He died instantly of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A1 Abrams tank during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq.

A comrade from his platoon remembered Desjardins as follows: he was “a steadfast and laid back comedian with a trademark smile only he could pull off. Full of comments such as ‘Friends don’t let Friends watch Friends’. DJ always motivated people to better themselves. He was the hub of the enlisted members of the platoon, especially for Specialist rank and below. The first guy to put a boot in someone’s rear when they became complacent. The peacemaker who would step between two joes quarreling and a Lover of Jim Beam.”

DJ rests in Miller Cemetery in Scio, Oregon. He is survived by his mother, Cindy, father, Douglas, and his step-parents, as well as two brothers and two sisters. Please take time today to honor Desjardins’ memory, his selfless service and noble sacrifice. Courage Conquers and Iron Dukes!