SPC. Mark Gonthier - Age 25

I am with the 10th MTN DIV out of Fort Drum NY, 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Brigade. I deployed to Baghdad, Iraq on June 18, 2004. I was a 50 cal gunner, 240 gunner and an ITAS (Improved Tow Acquisition System). My platoon patrolled the Baghdad area 14 hours a day.

On February 18, 2005 my platoon and I received a call on the ASIP informing us three car bombs and a bus bomb had hit our ALPHA COMPANY.  My platoon and I were heading down on the highway in Baghdad and we took a side road to get off the highway. The first Humvee successfully made it down the road. My Humvee was right behind them when a roadside bomb went off.  

I got hit by shrapnel in the ear, head, and a piece went through my IBA and sappy plate, into my back. I have lost the hearing in my left ear.  I am now at the Mologne House on the WRAMC base recovering from my wounds.