Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh - SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One

Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One

Petty Officer 2nd Class James E. Suh was born March 2, 1977, in Chicago. He was raised in South Florida by his father. He was 28. He was killed in Afghanistan when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire.

Academics was a priority for him at Deerfield Beach High School, but Suh also starred on the tennis and swim teams. He attended many classes for advanced and gifted students. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Statistics at the University of Florida in 1999. Although he wanted to become a veterinarian, he instead joined the Navy in January 2001 and became a SEAL. After basic airborne training in Georgia, and more SEAL training in Coronado and Panama City Beach, Fla., he joined SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 1, 2002.

Known as Sung Gap Suh to his family, Korean immigrants, he was extremely close to his family and had recently moved his father to be with him in Hawaii. "James exuded passion and pride in being part of an elite group of men who defied the limits of human physical and mental endurance," his sister Claudia Suh Bown said. "He was always a protector of his family and friends and became equally committed to defending and protecting our country."

His awards include the Bronze Star (with Combat V), Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

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