ALLEGHENY, PA, USA
U.S. Marines
SGT, CO D, 2D LAR (MEB-A FWD), CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
KHAN NESHIN, AFGHANISTAN 07/23/2009
Sergeant Ryan H. Lane of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a graduate of Carrick High School and reported to Parris Island, South Carolina on July 22, 2002 to start his career as a United States Marine. After MOS training at the School of Infantry, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. During this assignment, he completed a six month deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and a combat deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2002 he injured his hand during combat with the enemy. He was told to report to medical but returned to assist his fellow Marines in the battle. He turned down a Purple Heart for his injury because he said that there were guys injured worse than he was that deserved the Purple Heart.
He was always a faithful and loyal friend to his fellow Marines and would give anything he had to help a fellow Marine or friend. When Sergeant Lane re-enlisted he was transferred back to Parris Island for duty as a Weapons and Field Training Battalion Marksmanship Instructor. After completion of his tour at Parris Island, Sergeant Lane was ordered to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battaion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and reported for duty with Company D.
Before being deployed to Afghanistan Sergeant Lane turned down a meritorious promotion that would have kept him state side. He insisted on going to Afghanistan with the Marines he trained.
His dedication and loyalty to his Marines was something that was dear to him because they were all family to him. In June 2009 he conducted his second deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his tour he interacted with civilians and became known to his Marines as a great leader and motivator. The 2nd LAR was fighting enemy forces in the Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan area and secured the Khan Nechion castle.
On July 23, 2009 Sergeant Ryan H. Lane was killed in action against enemy forces.
Sergeant Lane’s personal awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal with bronze star, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device posthumously.
Sergeant Ryan H. Lane was a great leader to his Marines and an even better friend to anyone that has ever met him. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a devoted Pittsburgh Penguin fan. He was dedicated to his family and always bragged about each member of his family with high regard. He had two dogs that he referred to as his kids and purchased a house with his wife in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Sergeant Lane is survived by his wife, Valerie Lane, his mother Kathleen Hanley, his father Harold Lane, three brothers, and an entire family that is proud to have had him in their lives. He will forever be a hero to his family, friends, hometown, and his Marines. (Note: The above was submitted by his brother, David.)