First Name: Michael

Last Name: Peterson

Middle Initial: J.

Date of Birth: 8/30/77

Sex: Male

Martial Status: Married

Number of Children: Not sure

Home Town: Toole, Utah

Education Completed: High School

Branch of  Service: Marines

Highest Rank: Sgt.

Platoon: 3rd Batallion, 1st Marines India Co and Boat House

Age at Start of Service: 18

Years of Service: 5 to 10

Combat Veteran: Yes

Time in Combat: Less than one year

Place of Combat: Iraq

Awards: Operation Southern watch, Operation Vigilant Sentinel, Small Boat Coxswain, Good Conduct (the rest is unknown)

Date of Suicide: 8/20/1999

Suicide Method: Gun

Veteran’s Story: Mike became a Marine at 17 with the permission of his mother. He loved the Marines and was proud to be a 0311. His cammies were starched and crisp and boots shined so you could see a reflection. Mike fell out of a hump in August and suffered from extereme dehyration. His chevrons were ripped off of him, someone spit in his face, and he was told he was better off to the Marine Corps dead. He drove home and ended his life.

Submitted By: Jennifer Tullis

Relationship to Veteran: Spouse