December 9, 1980 – November 13, 2004
Early Life & Family
Full Name: Kevin John “Jack” Dempsey
Date of Birth: December 9, 1980
Place of Birth: Sharon, Connecticut
Kevin was the son of Barbara Lane Dempsey and the late D. Kevin Dempsey. Raised in Connecticut, friends and family often called him “Jack” — after the legendary boxer — a nickname that stuck because of his tenacious spirit.
From a young age, Jack showed natural athletic ability and a strong will. As a child, he was always active, drawn to team sports and physical challenges — a youthful energy and competitiveness that would follow him through his teenage years.
Growing up without his father forged a close bond between Kevin and his sister, Jennifer Dempsey. According to Jennifer, Jack was protective and full of life — characteristics that defined him, at home and among friends.
High School Years — Athlete, Friend, “Tiger”
Kevin attended New Canaan High School (class of 2000). During high school:
- He played varsity football and also wrestled. His wrestling coach, Paul Gallo, described him as “strong and one of the toughest guys I’d ever taught.” Even if he wasn’t the most technically skilled wrestler, his toughness and relentless drive made him formidable.
- He weighed about 189 pounds and wrestled — playing through pain or injury if needed.
- To classmates and teammates, he was “a guy’s guy” — popular, with a great sense of humor, and someone people wanted around.
His high school years shaped much of his character: loyalty, resilience, a protective instinct, and a sense of responsibility toward others.
Despite his athletic promise and life ahead, Jack felt a strong pull toward service. He had considered joining the military after high school — but it was the events of September 11, 2001 that sealed his resolve.
Military Service — Answering the Call
9 December 1980 – 13 November 2004
Enlistment: March 2002
Assignment: 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force — based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Jack embraced Marine life with the same determination he showed on the wrestling mat. His friends from high school remember how genuinely excited he was for this path — proud to wear the uniform and deeply committed to serving.
He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and by September 2004 he was in Iraq.
Final Patrol & Sacrifice — November 13, 2004
On November 13, 2004, Corporal Dempsey was serving as team leader of a foot patrol in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
During the patrol, his unit discovered a buried bomb — an improvised explosive device (IED) connected to a cell-phone trigger. Recognizing the danger to his comrades, Jack acted swiftly. He took charge, ordering other Marines to move to safety. His leadership and quick thinking saved at least seven fellow Marines before the device detonated. Tragically, the explosion killed Jack and another Marine.
His final act was one of profound selflessness, courage, and sacrifice — a moment that encapsulated the very best of what it means to be a Marine.
Honors, Burial & Memorialization
- Official Death: November 13, 2004, age 23.
- Initial Funeral: His funeral in Connecticut drew hundreds — classmates, friends, Marines, community members.
- Final Resting Place: On June 29, 2005, his remains were disinterred and reburied with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 60, Site 8195.
- State & Community Recognition: His name appears on national and state memorials honoring those lost during OIF.
- Local Tribute: In Connecticut his loss prompted a wave of community support — from hometowns cooking meals for his family, to charitable donations, and recognition by civic organizations.
Personal Qualities & Legacy
- Fearless and Tough: From his youth, Jack was known for a fighting spirit. Whether on the wrestling mat, on the football field, or in combat — he showed toughness, grit, and fearlessness.
- Leader and Protector: As a Marine, he demonstrated natural leadership and a protective instinct. On his final patrol, he put the safety of his fellow Marines above himself.
- Beloved Son and Brother: To his mother Barbara and sister Jennifer, Jack was more than a Marine — he was a caring, joyful, loyal, and protective brother and son. His family remembers his infectious smile, his humor, and his big heart.
- Inspiration and Reminder: His sacrifice stands as a testament to courage, selflessness, and duty. For his hometown, for fellow Marines, and for future generations, Jack’s life is a reminder of what honor and service truly mean.
Quotes & Tributes
From his sister in a statement included in the official record of Congress:
“As a young child, Jack was always on the move. … His nickname was ‘Tiger’ because of his fearless personality. He excelled in every sport he played …”
From his wrestling coach, remembering a tough, determined athlete:
“He was strong and one of the toughest guys I’d ever taught.”
From his unit and hometown community — a shared sentiment that, though young, he gave a lifetime of courage in the moment of need.
Kevin “Jack” Dempsey is remembered.
Jack Dempsey’s story is not just one of youthful promise cut tragically short — it is a story of values: discipline, loyalty, compassion, courage, and sacrifice.
He lived as an athlete, served as a Marine, and died as a protector. His final act — saving the lives of others at tremendous cost — embodies the deepest meaning of service.
He remains a son, brother, friend — a hometown hero. His memory endures in the hearts of family, community, fellow Marines, and all who hear his story.
CONNECTICUT VETERANS BULLETIN’S GALLERY OF VALOR.
Honor & Remember Connecticut’s Fallen Heroes every day.
https://ctvetsbulletin.org/connecticut-veterans-bulletins-gallery-of-valor/
