From Mobile, Alabama, Staff Sergeant Larry W. Gill's distinguished service to America has spanned more than two decades including his years in the military and his law enforcement career. This is his story... It was hard to tell which was more oppressive, the throat-parching heat or the weight of danger pressing in on the platoon. As the sun set on October 7, 2003 it did little to cool the air or the tensions. In fact, as night fell, an angry mob protesting the U.S. detention of a Shiite Muslim cleric poured into the streets of Baghdad and the city erupted in violence.

Gill, along with other members of the 1165th Military Police Company, were ordered into the melee to help control the growing crowd. He was standing his ground, facing down the protestors, when he felt the concussion of grenades.

"It knocked me off my feet. I knew I could be hurt," Gill later recounted from his bed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In fact, Gill's left leg was shredded below the knee. He lost more than nine inches from his left calf, and suffered nerve, muscle, and artery damage in both legs. He now wears a leg brace on his left leg to assist in walking and prevent foot drop. It has been, and continues to be, a long, slow and difficult recovery.

But, as Gill says, "On the brighter side, I'm still here, somewhat intact. You won't hear me complain." Gill received a Purple Heart Medal for his injuries. It was his second.

A Life of Service

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Gill's military career began when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1981. He received his first Purple Heart in 1984. At that time, he was at the U.S. Embassy annex in Aukar, northeast of Beirut, Lebanon when a truck driven by a suicide bomber exploded outside the building killing 2 military personnel and 24 civilians.

Gill remained on active duty until May, 1992. After his discharge, he began his civilian duties as a police officer and continued his military service as a Marine Corps Reservist and, later, as a member of the Alabama National Guard. Following the attacks of September 11, his unit, the 1165th Military Police Company, was mobilized for homeland defense and in March, 2003, they were mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gill served as a squad leader and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge during ground combat operations in Baghdad and Fallujah.

Gill's numerous awards and decorations include: two Purple Heart Medals; Army Commendation Medal; three Army Achievement Medals; Navy Achievement Medal; two Combat Action Ribbons; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal; Naval Unit Commendation; four Overseas Service Ribbons; two Meritorious Unit Citations; Joint Unit Meritorious Service Ribbon; Army Outstanding Service Ribbon; Alabama Commendation Medal; and Alabama Special Unit Citation. He also has pending award recommendations for the Soldier's Medal; the Bronze Star with "V" Device; and the Meritorious Service Medal.

When asked about the medals for his bravery, Gill is characteristically humorous and upbeat: "I'm tired of collecting Purple Hearts. I'm going to start collecting baseball cards or something."

Since his service in Iraq, Gill has faced many challenges. Because of the seriousness of his injuries, he is unable to return to his career as a police officer. Instead, Gill faces the challenge of creating a new life for himself, his wife, Leah, a school teacher, and their three children.

But Gill remains steadfast: "I am one hundred percent military and will not accept defeat. I will continue to do my best regardless of the odds."

Challenges and Dedication

Gill's dedication and can-do attitude in the face of personal trials is what makes him an all—American hero—a hero that exemplifies the strength of character and positive determination that the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is dedicated to recognizing.

"Since the first battle of the very first war, American history has always recognized and remembered the sacrifices of military men and women who have given their lives for this great nation. Until now, the names, faces, trials and tribulations, and the lifelong suffering and sacrifices of those of us who have been severely wounded and disabled have seldom been honored. This Memorial will establish our places in history, and hopefully, will help to open the eyes of people who tend to take their freedoms for granted," says Gill.

Although his body has been disabled, his spirit and patriotism have grown steadily stronger. It is for these qualities that he received the Medallion of Honor award at the Disabled Veterans LIFE Awards Gala. And it is for heroes like Gill that the Memorial is being built.

"I am very proud of my service," says Gill. "I know I am not forgotten."