Jeremiah Workman

Despite being pierced by shrapnel from an exploding grenade, Marine Sgt. Jeremiah Workman continued rushing forward into enemy fire, leading three assaults to extricate Marines trapped in a besieged building. This courageous act took place while Workman was serving as a Marine squad leader in Fallujah, Iraq, during clearing operations on Dec. 23, 2004. It earned him a Navy Cross Medal—an honor second only to the Medal of Honor—for “extraordinary heroism.”

The 24-year-old Ohio native began his military career upon graduating from North Union High School in Richwood, OH, in 2001. Workman began basic training at Parris Island Recruit Depot, SC, in August 2001. After receiving infantry training at Camp Lejeune, NC, he was sent to Marine Corps Security Forces School in Virginia, and later stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in King’s Bay, GA. In less than two years, Workman was promoted to corporal.

In 2003, Workman received specialized training at the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) School at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, in Bridgeport, CA. After receiving SERE training, Workman reported to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to ready for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In September 2004, Workman and the rest of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines deployed to Iraq to take part in what would become known as one of the fiercest battles in America’s history – Operation Phantom Fury. For his heroic acts on the battlefield, Workman received—in addition to the Navy Cross—the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon. He has also received the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Workman says that he doesn’t see himself as being any different from any other Marine. And that’s one of the reasons that he has joined the National Heroes Tour—to thank all of the unsung heroes, especially those he left behind in the desert sands.

In February 2005, Workman was promoted to sergeant, and two months later, returned to the United States. In the fall of that year, Workman enrolled in Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. Upon completing his training, he attended Marine Combat Instructor Water Survival School. In 2006, he put the skills learned at both to use as a drill instructor with the Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. Later that year he attended Army airborne school at Fort Benning, GA.

He, his wife Jessica, and son Devon reside in Quantico, VA. In his spare time, Workman enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. He is also working toward a degree in criminal justice.