Shade Township near Stoystown in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Unit Pennsylvania Army National Guard
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 18, 2026
1. A Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Unit Pennsylvania Army National Guard Marker
Iraqi insurgent attacks on August 6th and 9th, 2005 brought tragedy upon Alpha 1-111th soldiers which constituted the greatest loss of life suffered by any National Guard unit from the Philadelphia region since World War II.
Alpha 1-111th Infantry located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania deployed in 2004-05 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the 1-103rd Armor Battalion, 28th Infantry Division located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
The unit was assigned to forward operating base Summerall located in the Salah Ad Din province of Iraq.
These men made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and preserve our freedom and keep us safe. May their sacrifice inspire patriotism in us all. Patriotism - Country before self.
PFC Nathaniel DeTample Laqlaq, Iraq 9 Aug 2005 19 Morristown, PA
SGT Brahim Jeffcoat Samarra, Iraq 6 Aug 2005 25 Philadelphia, PA
SPC Kurt Krout Samarra, Iraq 6 Aug 2005 43 Spinnerstown, PA
SPC John Kulick Laqlaq, Iraq 9 Aug 2005 35 Harleysville, PA
SPC Jerry Pellegrini Jr. Laqlaq, Iraq 9 Aug 2005 31 Philadelphia, PA
SGT Frank Straub Laqlaq, Iraq 9 Aug 2005 24 Philadelphia, PA
Erected
this page online
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, 2nd Iraq. A significant historical date for this entry is August 6, 2005.
Location. 40° 5.057′ N, 78° 53.449′ W. Memorial is near Stoystown, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. It is in Shade Township. It can be reached from Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) 0.2 miles west of Johnson Bottom Road (Local Route 730), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 6150 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown PA 15563, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cambria County, Pennsylvania Hometown Heroes (here, next to this marker); Global War on Terrorism (here, next to this marker); Operation Inherent Resolve Continues (here, next to this marker); Afghanistan Fallen Heroes (here, next to this marker); Totals by State of the Fallen (here, next to this marker); Honoring the families of those who served. (here, next to this marker); Warrior Dog (here, next to this marker); Master Sergeant John Chapman (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stoystown.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 18, 2026
2. A Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Unit Pennsylvania Army National Guard Marker
Marker is in the foreground.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
