In Memoriam

Marine Cpl. Christopher D. Leon: When Leon broke a bone during the 40 miles and 54 hours of the Marine Corps "make-or-break" exam called "The Crucible," he kept going. He finished 10 miles of hiking and more miles of running with a broken foot. "He had high tolerance for pain and great determination," said his mother, Kathi. Leon, 20, of Lancaster, Calif., was killed June 20 after coming under attack while conducting combat operations in Ramadi. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Okinawa, Japan. "He was an approachable individual with a good head on his shoulders and wisdom beyond his years," said Capt. Adam W. Blanton. "He was our friend. He was the buddy that laughed with us, sweated with us, and walked every piece of dirt we walked, but with a heavier pack and a smile on his face." At a PetSmart, Leon was remembered as a hardworking and dependable employee, who always helped customers carry purchases out to their cars. He died, his mother said, "doing work that he wanted to do," which was the protection of comrades in arms and innocent Iraqis. He also is survived by his father, James, and fiance Aimey.