Linwood, Pennsylvania, USA
U.S. Army
SGT, Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion
9/12/2011, Linwood, USA
Sergeant James E. Lyons, 24 of Linwood, Pa died suddenly on September 12, 2011. Sergeant Lyons was born on 13 August, 1987, the son of Mr. James J. Lyons, Jr. and Mrs. Sandra L. Horn Lyons of Linwood, Pa. Jim was a graduate of Concord high School in Wilmington, De and an active member of Concord Crew.
Sergeant Lyons began his military enlistment in November 2004 on an Airborne Ranger contract. He completed One Station Unit Training as an Infantryman specialist assigned to the 19th Infantry regiment at Fort Benning, GA in September 2005. Upon completion of One Station Unit Training, he then completed Airborne School in November 2005 at Fort Benning, GA.
Sergeant Lyons’ first duty Station was Fort Lewis, Washington where he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, 1st Squadron “War Eagles”, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. In June 2006, he took part in the re-flagging ceremony of 1st battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division to 1st Squadron “War Eagles”, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington where his unit underwent an historic restationing from Fort Lewis, Washington to Vilseck, Germany.
While stationed in Germany, he completed Combatives Instructor Level 1 Training, Warrior Leaders Course, Observer Control Training, and Sniper Training. This resulted in him being selected as his company’s Senior Sniper. In 2009, he was selected to represent the US Army European Sniper Team, where he and his team placed 7th overall.
On July 16th, 2007 Sergeant Lyons deployed on the Advance Party to Iraq for his first combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Lyons was an outstanding soldier and an essential part of “Apache” Company. During his 15 months in Iraq, he demonstrated the highest degree of integrity, dedication, courage, commitment and honor in fulfillment of his mission. Sergeant Lyons was directly responsible in the capture and or elimination of several high level targets. Sergeant Lyons returned to Germany from Iraq in October 2009. In February, 2010, Sergeant Lyons decided to take a position as a recruiter for the Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion under the Philadelphia Metro Recruiting Company in the Holmes Recruiting Station. He completed recruiting and retention school at Fort Jackson, SC in May 2010.
Sergeant Lyons’ awards include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Achievement Medals, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge and numerous Expert Marksmanship Badges.
He is survived by his Parents, James J. Lyons, Jr. and Sandra L. Horn Lyons of Linwood, Pa; Siblings, Jamie (Duffy) Sinnott of Linwood, Jennifer (Sergeant Terry) Eilber of Fort Campbell, KY, Melinda (Samuel) Strickland of Nottingham, Pa; Nephews Joshua Sinnott, Trevor Eilber, Samuel Strickland, Jr.; Niece, Baby Girl Sinnott. Paternal Grandparents, James and Gertrude Lyons of Ocean View, De as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him dearly.