Diego Daniel Pongo, Gunnery Sgt., Usmc

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo died March 8, 2020 Serving During Operation Inherent Resolve.
Age 34, of Simi Valley, California, died March 8, 2020, while clearing a tunnel complex of Islamic State fighters in the Makhmur Mountains of southern Iraq. Capt. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Pongo’s personal awards included a Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, a Purple Heart, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, the Army Valorous Unit Award, four Good Conduct Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

On Thursday August 20, 2020 at 11:00 am a Graveside Service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.