Their Story
Remembering Justin E. Schmalstieg.
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 from Peabody High School in 2000. He enjoyed video games, hockey, snowboarding, driving his CRX and CrossFit. In high school, he ran cross-country and was a member of the ski club. Justin was a man of faith and was active in his church, attending Mass each morning before heading to work on base.
Justin went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, and graduated in May 2001. After graduating from military occupational specialty school, he received 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 as an individual augment. In December 2003, Schmalstieg was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. While with 9th ESB, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and accepted into the EOD field.
In September 2004, he reported to Eglin Air Force Base for EOD school where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Upon completion of EOD training, Schmalstieg returned to 9th ESB as an EOD technician. He later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February to September 2006. Three months later, Schmalstieg deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from December 2006 to July 2007.
He received orders to 1st EOD Company in September 2008. In September 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as an EOD team leader with 4th Platoon, 1st EOD Company.
Schmalstieg, also known as “Smalls,” is remembered by his fellow Marines for his superior leadership skills. He was posthumously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.