Early Life & Personal Development

David J. Coullard was born January 16, 1973, in Glastonbury, Connecticut. From childhood, he exhibited a quiet determination and an early aspiration to serve in the United States Marine Corps — a goal he spoke about as early as age nine. Growing up in Glastonbury, he developed a strong connection to sports, particularly soccer, which he played at Glastonbury High School. His coaches and classmates remembered him as thoughtful, focused, and deeply committed not only to his teammates but also to his own personal goals. His high school yearbook included a message that foreshadowed his future: “Thank you, Mom, for everything. Marines, here I come.” Following graduation in 1992, David briefly attended Manchester Community College before choosing to pursue his lifelong dream of joining the Corps.

While in civilian life, David also pursued professional trade skills, studying to complete licensing in heating and air conditioning — a path he was developing alongside his military service. His life reflected both intellectual curiosity and a desire to be prepared for the diverse challenges life might bring.

United States Marine Corps Service

David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1995, beginning a career marked by devotion, excellence, and a willingness to face hardship for the sake of his fellow Marines and his nation. He trained rigorously and developed into a highly capable Marine, gaining experience through deployments and assignments that took him around the world. His unit conducted training and operations in places including Parris Island, Norway, the Swiss Alps, Panama, Japan, and the Philippines, experiences that broadened his skill set and strengthened his leadership capabilities.

David became known among his peers for his technical skill and his calm, reliable leadership. His proficiency as a sniper reflected both tactical precision and mental discipline — qualities that defined his reputation throughout his Corps career.

Throughout his service, Sgt. Coullard earned several military awards recognizing his commitment, bravery, and service in combat and operations, including two Purple Heart Medals, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Iraq Campaign Medal — honors that speak to both his sacrifices and the high regard in which he was held by his fellow Marines.

Deployment & Ultimate Sacrifice

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sgt. Coullard was mobilized with the Marine Forces Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based in Brook Park, Ohio, and attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). On August 1, 2005, while conducting dismounted operations outside Haditha, Iraq, his unit came under fierce enemy small‑arms fire. During that engagement, Sgt. Coullard and five fellow Marines were engaged by enemy fire and lost their lives while serving the mission of protecting their fellow service members and advancing the Corps’ objectives in a hostile and highly contested area. He was 32 years old at the time.

Haditha, located in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province, was known as a major entry point for insurgent activity, and operations in the region involved constant vigilance and the risk of unpredictable enemy attacks. Sgt. Coullard’s sacrifice occurred within this context of sustained instability and danger.

Legacy & Community Remembrance

Sgt. Coullard’s passing resonated deeply in Glastonbury, across Connecticut, and among the Marine Corps community. His family, friends, and fellow Marines remembered him as not only a Marine’s Marine but also as a devoted friend with a quiet strength and passionate commitment to his duties. His love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and tracking, reflected his patience, discipline, and respect for nature — traits that paralleled his military precision and care for his fellow Marines.

David’s legacy is preserved in multiple forms of honor and public recognition. In Glastonbury, a monument dedicated to Sgt. Coullard stands in a peaceful alcove on Belle Woods Drive, with a bench and brick walkway encouraging reflection on his life and sacrifice. Community members have rallied to protect and restore this memorial when it has been vandalized, demonstrating the deep respect held for his service.

In recognition of his ultimate sacrifice, Connecticut’s governor at the time ordered state flags to be flown at half‑staff in his honor — a historic acknowledgement of the magnitude of his contribution and the loss felt by the state. His name is included on numerous memorials that commemorate Connecticut service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom, and his portrait appears in the Fallen Heroes Project records, where messages from around the country continue to reflect ongoing remembrance.

Service & Achievements

United States Marine Corps Sergeant
Marine Forces Reserve, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division — Brook Park, Ohio
Attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Honored with:
Two Purple Heart Medals
Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Iraq Campaign Medal
Other service recognitions reflecting sustained valor and commitment

Dates

Birth: January 16, 1973 — Glastonbury, Connecticut
Angelversary: August 1, 2005 — Haditha, Iraq

United States Marine Corps Sergeant David J. Coullard’s life and service stand as a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion — a legacy that will forever be honored and cherished by the Marine Corps family, his community, and all who value the freedoms he protected.

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