Jonathan David “Jon” Rozier (July 16, 1978 - July 19, 2003)
By Lydia Prislovsky 

Early Life and Family 
Jonathan David “Jon” Rozier (1978-2003) served in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom where he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Jon was born in Dallas, Texas, to his parents William David Rozier and Barbara Lynn Phillips Rozier. He had three siblings Elizabeth Ann Rozier (also A&M class of 2001), Benjamin Rozier, and Joshua Rozier. According to his family, Jonathan was very gifted from a young age and learned to read when he was just three years old. Jon was homeschooled by his mother and earned admission to Texas A&M after graduating early. He married his college sweetheart Jessica O’Rourke in December of 2001, soon after graduating, and together they had one son Justin David Rozier who was born on October 24, 2002. 

Texas A&M University 
Jon attended Texas A&M University as a freshman member of Company B-1 in the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in December 2001 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. He married Jessica O’Roarke ‘03, also a former member of the Corps of Cadets and the only girl he ever dated, two days later.

Military Service
Rozier received his commission into the United States Army in December 2001 as a 2nd Lieutenant.  He was attached to Co. B, 2nd Bn., 70th Armored Regt., 1st Armored Div. “Big Red One” based in Fort Riley, Kansas, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 31, 2003, during his deployment to Iraq, Rozier’s platoon came under enemy fire near Al Hillah. He earned the Bronze Star for Valor for his actions that day.

Battle of South Al Hillah Narrative
2nd LT Rozier, Jonathan D. B Co. 2-70th AR (BSM V) Narrative: On 31 March 2003, 2LT Rozier led his platoon in the Battle of South Al Hillah. He skillfully maneuvered his platoon through the streets during the 12.5 hour battle as intense small arms, RPG and indirect fire ricocheted off his tanks. He returned fire with lethal results. Due to the lack of trucks, 2LT Rozier’s platoon was carrying a platoon of infantry from C/1-502 IN on his tanks. When the lead platoon from the company came under fire, 2LT Rozier quickly dismounted the infantry from his tanks. The infantry platoon was pinned down almost immediately due to the continuous fire. 2LT Rozier with little regard for his own safety ordered his tanks to move in between the enemy positions and the pinned infantry. Despite taking several direct RPG hits to his tank, 2LT Rozier destroyed the enemy positions with textbook fire and maneuver, thereby allowing the infantry to move to more advantageous positions from which they were able to continue the fight. Because of the lethal direct and indirect fires brought to bear on the enemy by 2LT Rozier and his Platoon, he was a primary factor in TF 2-70’s destruction of over a battalion of the Nebacanezzer Republican Guard. Additionally, his fires were so effective, an additional brigade of the Republican Guard was held in defensive positions north of Al Hillah. This prevented them from being moved to a position where they could affect the Corps main effort, 3ID’s attack in the vicinity of Karbala.

Death and Burial
Lieutenant Rozier was killed in action on July 19, 2003, after his unit took on hostile small arms fire from rocket-propelled grenades while manning vehicle checkpoints outside a municipal building in Baghdad, Iraq, three days after his 25th birthday. Survivors at time of his death included his beloved wife Jessica and his infant son Justin; his parents and his siblings. Jon was the first Aggie to give the ultimate sacrifice during the War on Terror. Among the several hundred in attendance at his funeral were Texas Governor Rick Perry, Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Katy Mayor Doyle Callender. He was interred with full military honors at Houston National Cemetery on July 30, 2003. Further information about how Lt. Rozier’s memory continues to be honored visit www.aggienetwork.com/news/146892/fallen-aggie-soldiers-car-restored-returned-to-son/. 


Photo depicts Lt. Rozier receiving the Bronze Star for Valor.

Photo with Texas A&M memorabilia: Aggie Senior Boots, Senior Saber, and Helmet; American Flag 

JONATHAN DAVID ROZIER

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BRONZE STAR MEDAL

US ARMY,

1LT

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