DUVAL, FL, USA
U.S. Marines
LCPL, F CO, 2D BN, 2D MAR, ( RCT-7, 2D MEB-FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
GARMSIR DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN 12/01/2009
Marine Lance Corporal Jonathan A. Taylor, of Jacksonville, Florida, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, died December 1, 2009 in Garmsir district, Helmand Province , Afghanistan. He was on patrol as his unit was supported Operation Enduring Freedom when he was killed by an improvised explosive bomb. He was on his second deployment.
Joining the marines was Jonathan’s goal from the age of 11 and his strong motivation for military service was evident when at 13, he joined the Naval Sea Cadets Corps. His senior leadership even then saw him as a top performer. He graduated from Wolfson High School and attended In high school he enrolled in the Army Junior ROTC program where he also excelled serving on the honor guard and in leadership positions.
After high school, he enrolled in The Citadel, military college in South Carolina. Jonathan was honorably discharged from The Citadel at the end of his knob year in the spring of 2006. He did not return to complete his degree and graduate but instead in 2007 enlisted in the Marine Corps. While in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, Taylor was a history major and a member of Mike Company. He was part of the Class of 2009.
Jonathan loved the Florida Gators and enjoyed politics, and history. He last spoke to his family the day before Thanksgiving. He was able to get an update on his favorite team and chat with his three sisters. He was a bright light to the family.
He was known as an idealist, he understood his country’s roots and beginnings and understood the sacrifices of those who preceded him.