We Honor and Remember:

Lance Cpl. Harry R. Swain IV
Hometown: Millville, NJ
Age: 21
Died: January 31, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Unit: U.S. Marine Corps Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC
Birth: July 29, 1983, Vineland, Cumberland County, NJ



​Harry R. Swain IV, age 21 of Millville, died Monday, January 31, 2005 while serving his country in Iraq.

Born in Vineland, he grew up in Millville, and graduated from Millville High School, class of 2001. He was a graduate of the Cittone Institute of computer science of Mt. Laurel. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served gallantly. He had planned to join the F.B.I. upon completion of his military service.

He was an avid reader, and he enjoyed karate and playing computer games.

He is survived by his father Harry R. Swain III and step-mother Lisa of Vineland; his mother Deborah (Hannah) Lago and her husband Raymond S. of Millville with whom he resided; one brother Jaymes P. Swain serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq; one sister Morgan Swain of Vineland; a step-brother Aaron Dickel; and step-sisters, Krystal and Shawna Dickle, all of Vineland; grandparents, James and Pearl Hannah of Sevierville, Tenn., Carol and Ed "Stump" Camp of Henderson, N.C., Raymond and Claire Lago of Alamogordo, N.M., and Anne Lago; and great grandmother Peggy Reynolds of Phila., Pa.

Son, I wish I could be celebrating your 33rd birthday with you in person; instead I have much sorrow in my heart today.
​I was 21 years old when you were born. I was a little scared, and excited at the same time. The day you were born, I became a Father for the first time in my Life. It is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I remember holding you as a baby on my chest while you slept. I remember the first time you smiled at me, the first time you said "Dad Dad". That unique smile of yours that just warmed everybody's heart. I knew the day you were born that you were special. You had that drive, to be the best, and never give up. To accomplish what ever you put in your mind, from the first time you walked, to the day you Graduated High School.

Then you decided to join the United States Marine Corps, as one of America's "The Few, The Proud, The Marines". No Father on Earth could be more Proud of their child as I am. I made sure you knew how proud I am of you. We talked a lot, and I will never forget those special moments we had together. The day you called telling me over and over that you Loved me at the top of your lungs, one year to the day of your first tour in Iraq on March 23rd during “The battle for the Bridges in Nasaria”.

Rescuing Army Soldiers of the 507th, while fighting the Fedayin, and participating in the rescue of Jessica Lynch. Your words will forever be in my mind and heart. The day we went to Matt’s landing crabbing, and we had a long talk about life. You told me you couldn’t live with yourself, if you did not go back to Iraq with your fellow Marine Brother’s and take care of them. We had more than the normal Father/Son relationship. Like my Father and me, we had the same Father/Son/Best friend relationship. We both knew each other more than anybody will ever know.

You are forever in my heart, and nobody can take away my memories of you. I will make sure nobody forgets what a wonderful, special, caring, and loving person you are. You touched a lot of hearts in your lifetime Son...You are and will always be my Hero. Our Hero. America's Hero. You knew the true meaning of "Semper Fidelis”, "Always Faithful". You were given a mission, and upheld it with honor, respect, and dignity. We didn’t know what the meaning “Death before Dishonor” really meant, until now. It takes a remarkable person not just to say a Creed and Memorize a Creed, but also to live by a Creed.

You did your Country proud Marine, now Rest in Peace with the other Angels Son. I now you our still on duty at the gates of heaven, continuing your duty with honor, respect, and courage as you were sworn to do…Love the Proudest Dad in the World, of a United States Marine Lance Corporal Harry R. Swain IV (Age 21 when KIA)...

---

New Jersey Run for the Fallen 2024 ~ Click on photos below to enlarge...

New Jersey Run for the Fallen 2022 ~ Click on photos below to enlarge...