Army Spc. Scott Q. Larson Jr.

Died April 05, 2004 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom

22, of Houston; assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Ray Barracks, Friedberg, Germany; killed April 5 when his convoy was ambushed in Baghdad.

Spc. Scott Q. Larson Jr. was known for his Christian faith. He had even arranged to baptize his sergeant at a Houston-area church. His family still hopes to be able to do that, said his friend and student minister Chris Mayfield. Larson, 22, who lived in Houston and was stationed in Friedberg, Germany, died when his convoy was ambushed in Baghdad on April 5, two weeks before he was to go on furlough. Mayfield said Larson was energized by the military. "When he hooked up with the military, he found a great joy and excitement," Mayfield said. His parents, Scott and Mary Larson, said in a message posted on their church Web site that they were proud of their son's service to his country and faith. "Scott served as a bright light in a dark and desperate land," the message said.

— Associated Press