United States Marine Corps
Daniel B. Chaires
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
- Rank
- Lance Corporal (LCpl)
- Branch / Agency
- United States Marine Corps
- Hometown
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Unit
- 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
- Submitted by
- his Team Leader and friend, Rich Brown
Daniel B. Chaires volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps, following in his father's footsteps. He was determined to enlist—even enduring a difficult process that included multiple physicals before being accepted. He was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On October 25, 2006, while on patrol in Iraq's Anbar province, LCpl Chaires was wounded by enemy fire in a well-set ambush. Despite being hit, he provided security and returned fire, reportedly staying engaged long enough to allow medics to reach him and fellow Marines to withdraw. He later succumbed to his wounds, giving his life in service to his country at the age of 20.
Chaires is remembered by his community in Tallahassee, and his legacy endures in tributes and memorials by fellow Marines — a young Marine whose sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder of the costs of war and the valor of those who answer the call.