In Memory of CPL Eduard Raoul Conopan USMC
February 22, 1987 – March 1, 2021
“Eduard had a big heart and he loved animals and children. He was a second degree black belt in Taekwondo and a certified instructor. He was very patient teaching and training. He was a perfectionist and once you became his friend you had all his support. We used to travel for different events and competitions and on our way to the destination and on our way back home, we stopped at Cracker Barrel and ordered the same dish. That was, still is our thing. Every Memorial Day I go to Cracker Barrel and order the same thing, and his dish goes to a homeless person.
His favorite time of the year was Christmas and the two of us did all the decorating. A few times his dad came home early and put one ornament and said “Here, don’t say I didn’t help!” Eduard said “Mom, he did it again!” Now I do the decorating and his dad puts one ornament.
Eduard will always be remembered as great son, nephew, cousin, and friend. I know that as a mother I see the best in Eduard, but all of these memories are near and dear to my heart. Miss my Ralu.” Shared by his mother, Maria.
Awards: National Defense Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Second Award, 2 stars, NATO ISAF Afghanistan Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, USMC Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Second Award
In 2010 Eduard Conopan, then a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps, deployed to Afghanistan with the 3d Battalion 6th Marine Regiment (3/6) as a Machine Gunner in the Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Platoon. On this deployment, 3/6 served a crucial role in Operation Moshtarak, which still stands as the largest ground offensive of the Afghan war, involving a combined total of 15,000 multi-national forces tasked with expelling Taliban forces from the city of Marjeh. During the eight months of fighting on this deployment, CAAT platoon endured some of the heaviest fighting of the Battalion. In addition to the consistent and heavy direct engagements with the enemy, CAAT Platoon was also credited with the discovery of 47 enemy weapons caches, detainment of 73 enemy combatants, and dealt with over 100 improvised explosive devices. LCpl Conopan’s contribution to the Platoon’s success cannot be overstated.
LCpl Conopan was courageous, dedicated, and selfless. He was always first to volunteer to take the watch, to ride point, or to give you his last sip of water. He was the rare breed of man that you would draft first for a gunfight, as well as the man you would confide in during your hardest days. When asked what he would most like people to know about LCpl Conopan, his Vehicle Commander said “his dedication to the safety of his team members.” This is a powerful statement about the character of this Marine. LCpl Conopan would routinely take on more responsibility than was required. He never allowed the chaos, pain, and suffering endured rob him of his compassion or his sense of humor. He was a steadying presence on his team that was always ready and willing to bear the heaviest burdens. His positive impact on the mission and his brothers in arms cannot be overstated. His brothers will miss him dearly, but will never forget the warrior he was. We are lucky to have known him and been able to call him our brother.
John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
States he called home: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, California
Resting place: Jacksonville National Cemetery Florida
