Former UNCP student hurt in Fallujah

Enemy gunfire struck former UNCP student Lance Cpl. Jerry James Aguirre, of Fayetteville, on Nov. 12, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq, as he helped defend two fellow Marines.

According to Aguirre’s father, a bullet grazed the lower left side of the 2001-2002 UNCP student’s back. He recovered in Forward Operating Base Owens.

Lance Cpl. David Branning and Lance Cpl. Brian Medina were killed in the attack.

Aguirre received a Purple Heart on Dec. 27, 2004, along with the others injured in the raid. Aguirre returned to duty on Dec. 20, according to Andrew Aguirre, his father.