NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ, US U.S. Marine Corps LCPL, 2D BN 6TH MAR, (RCT-5, II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC 02/10/2012, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Lance Corporal Osbrany Montes De Oca was a native of North Arlington, New Jersey where he grew up and attended North Arlington High School. He was the proud son of Miriam Moreta and Franklin Montes De Oca. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 6, 2010 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of recruit training he attended the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, where he was selected, trained and designated as an (0341) Infantry Mortarman in which he took immense pride.
Lance Corporal Montes De Oca reported for duty at 2d Battalion, 6th Marines in May 2011. Lance Corporal Montes De Oca was assigned to the 73rd Company, 81 Millimeter Mortar Platoon and held the billet of Infantry Mortarman. Lance Corporal Montes De Oca and his unit deployed in December 2011 to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 11-2.
On February 10th 2012, Osbrany Montes De Oca paid the ultimate sacrifice while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Nawa District. Lance Corporal Montes De Oca lived his life to the fullest, and was an inspiration to his family, friends and fellow Marines. Lance Corporal Montes De Oca will be sorely missed, and he will never be forgotten.
Lance Corporal Montes De Oca’s personal awards include the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO ISAF (Afghanistan) Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.