HAMMOND, IL, US
U.S. Army
1SG, B BATTERY, 1ST BATALLION, 82ND FIELD ARTILLERY, 1ST CD, FORT HOOD, TX 76544
06/27/2004, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
First Sergeant Ernest Eugene Utt Jr died on June 27, 2004 at Camp Cuervo, Baghdad, Iraq when his battery position sustained rockets attack. He was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Thirty-eight year old Ernest Eugene Utt Jr., was from Fort Hood, Texas. He was born in Chicago, and raised in Pierson Station, Illinois, just twenty miles east of Decatur. He graduated from Atwood-Hammond High School where he played football and ran track. In September 1983, after high school, he joined the Army and spent much of his life as a soldier. He served all over the world, from Germany to California and finally at Fort Hood, becoming a member of the 1st Brigade, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.
He was appreciated for his uniqueness as a First Sergeant. When reporting in to the 1-82 Commander, the Command Sgt. Major noted that Utt was asked which job he would like to have. “I want your job,” Ernest replied. Subsequently 1SG Utt was responsible for bringing the standard of the Dragon Battalion to a level that is unbeatable. He led and guided with strength and compassion, and worked tirelessly to make his soldiers successful. He is remembered as funny, bold and driven and had accumulated many accomplishments as a soldier. His strong sense of humor, big smile, and ability to make people laugh made his leadership effective and appreciated.
He is survived by his wife, his three children and two stepchildren and his father.
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