Army Sgt. John C. Osmolski

Died February 5, 2008 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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23, of Eustis, Fla.; assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 5 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he encountered an improvised explosive device during combat operations. Also killed were Spc. Miguel A. Baez and Sgt. Timothy R. Van Orman.

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Paratroopers killed in Iraq in explosion

The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Two paratroopers based in North Carolina have died from wounds they suffered in an explosion in Iraq.

The 82nd Airborne Division said Thursday that 23-year-old Sgt. John C. Osmolski of Eustis, Florida, and 32-year-old Spc. Miguel A. Baez III of Bonaire, Georgia died Tuesday. Both were fatally injured while conducting combat operations near Al Muqdadiyah.

Osmolski was a combat engineer with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Special Troops Battalion in the 82nd Airborne. His company commander, Maj. James Downing, said Osmolski was a “premier sapper” and would have been a leader in the engineer world.

Baez was an assistant machine gunner with the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. His company’s 1st sergeant, Kevin Spooner, says Baez always volunteered to help.

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Slain sergeant remembered for making others laugh

The Associated Press

Theresa Ohland, an administrative assistant at New Hope Presbyterian Church, knew Army Sgt. John C. Osmolski because he was active in the church’s youth group and went on a mission trip with her daughter.

“He was a sweetheart, and I’m sure his life spoke to a lot of the people that were in his military company,” she said. “He was just one of those kids that never got in trouble.”

Osmolski, 23, of Eustis, Fla., was killed Feb. 5 by an explosive in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. He attended Orlando’s Valencia Community College and was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C.

“He was just doing his job,” said his brother, Daniel Osmolski. “His goal was always to go into the Army and serve his country.”

Daniel Osmolski said John was considered the clown of the family. He remembered his wedding, when John was the best man.

Rather than make a toast, John gave Daniel a pair of boots that he dubbed “man-of-the-house boots.” One boot had “Man of the” embroidered on it. The other said “House.”

“He was always doing what he could to make others laugh,” he said. “He brought joy to all of us when he was around.”

He also is survived by his mother, Ruth.