A two-sentence, handwritten note articulated what the folks in his hometown felt about Dallas Kerns: "You are America's hero, one of the finest and best. We will never forget you or your ultimate sacrifice." Kerns, 21, of Mountain Grove, Mo., died July 5 when his vehicle was attacked during a routine patrol just west of Baghdad. He was based at Twentynine Palms, Calif. At the time of his death, the rifleman was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Kerns is survived by his parents, Connie Kerns of Springfield, Mo., and Randy Feltner of Seneca, Kan. "He gave his life so others may live in peace," the Rev. Ken Roy said as he stood alongside Kern's flag-draped coffin at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. "But today, Dallas is experiencing perfect peace."

— Associated Press