Martin, Jack Mayfield Iii

Staff Sergeant Jack Mayfield Martin III was a 26-year-old soldier from Bethany, Oklahoma. He served with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, based at Fort Lewis, Washington. The unit's area of operations included the Philippines, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.

On September 29, 2009, Martin was killed on Jolo Island in the southern Philippines. According to U.S. military reports, he died from wounds sustained during a hostile incident. The exact nature of the engagement was not detailed in public releases, but the area was known for clashes between Philippine security forces and militant groups.

Martin's death occurred under Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines (OEF-P), a distinct theater of the broader U.S.-led counterterrorism campaign. The mission, which began in 2002, focused on training and advising Philippine forces combating groups like Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah. Jolo Island was a frequent site of insurgent activity and joint military operations.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced his death the following day. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Purple Heart. His remains were returned to the United States.

Martin is memorialized on the Special Forces Memorial Wall at Fort Bragg and by the Global War on Terrorism memorial at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command headquarters. His name is also inscribed on the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial.

SSG Jack Martin was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record