Patrick Marc Rapicault
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps

From 24 September to 15 November 2004, then-Captain Patrick Marc Rapicault was serving as Company Commander, Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, First Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During that period, Capt Rapicault courageously led his Marines on the streets of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, through 50 firefights and 27 improvised explosive device ambushes. Always leading from the front, Capt Rapicault directed the fire and maneuver of his company while ignoring his own safety. Despite being the first Marine in the Battalion wounded and his company suffering the heaviest casualties during daily street fighting, Capt Rapicault always displayed an infectious enthusiasm that motivated every Marine to fight hard and recover quickly from battle. On every mission, Capt Rapicault's intuitive and calm combat leadership ensured success on the battlefield, with limited damage to vehicles and friendly casualties. Capt Rapicault gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom. Capt Rapicault’s bold leadership and courageous actions earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star
Basic Parachutist Badge
Scuba Diver Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Patrick Marc Rapicault, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Company Commander, Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, from 24 September to 15 November 2004. Captain Rapicault courageously led his Marines on the streets of Ar Ramadi, Iraq through 50 firefights and 27 improvised explosive device ambushes. Always leading from the front, he directed the fire and maneuver of his company with complete disregard for his own personal safety. Despite being the first Marine in the Battalion wounded and his company suffering the heaviest casualties during daily street fighting, Captain Rapicault always displayed an infectious enthusiasm that motivated every Marine to fight hard and recover quickly from battle. On every mission, Captain Rapicault's intuitive and calm combat leadership ensured success on the battlefield, with limited damage to vehicles and friendly casualties. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom. Captain Rapicault's bold leadership, courageous actions, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Captain Patrick Marc Rapicault is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 60, Site 8077.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10004587/patrick-marc-rapicault