Specialist Farao Kevin Letufuga, 20, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, made the ultimate sacrifice on August 5, 2003, while serving with serving with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th infantry Regiment of the 101st  Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Mosul, Iraq. SPC Letufuga died in a fall while performing guard duty atop a building in the war-torn city. 

​A proud member of the "Screaming Eagles," SPC Letufuga enlisted on September 10, 2001-the eve of the 9/11 attacks - carrying his Samoan warrior heritage into America's Global War on Terror. His mother Siniva's last words to him - "always remember God and always pray during during your tour of duty" - reflected the deep faith that guided his service.

After completing training at fort Cambell, Kentucky, the young infantry man deployed with his unit early 2003, Though his Military career was brief, his commitment to the Airborne motto of "Rendezvous With Destiny" was absolute. His sacrifice came less than six months after his 20th birthday, cutting short a life of a promise cementing his legacy as an American Samoa hero.

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Letufuga's remains were returned to his island home with full military honors. His memory lives on in Aoloau where he was laid to rest.

Staff Sergeant Salamo J. Tuialu'ulu'u, 23, of Ta'u, Manu'a, made the ultimate sacrifice on December 4, 2004, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 21st infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) in Mosul, Iraq. His Stryker vehicle came under enemy fire during combat operations, cutting short the life of this rising leader just four months into his deployment.

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The first JROTC commander from Ta'u and graduate of Manu'a High School, SSG Tuialu'ulu'u embodied the Samoan warrior spirit -  loyal, courageous, and devoted to the service. Stationed at the Fort Lewis with the "Gimlet" Battalion, he brought the same leadership to his platoon that he shown as a cadet.

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Though only 23, he left behind a legacy as a loving husband, father, and a son of American Samoa. His sacrifice in Iraq added to the proud tradition of Samoan warriors defending freedom, and his memory continues to inspire new generations of service members from the islands.

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Private Jonathan I. Falaniko, 20, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, made the ultimate sacrifice on October 27, 2003, while serving with Company A, 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Baghdad, Iraq. While clearing roadside explosives near the Kadra Police Station, his unit was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade attack.

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The son Command Sergeant Major Ioakimo Falaniko - a 27 year Army Veteran then serving in the same Division - Jonathan proudly followed his father's footsteps. "He said, 'Dad, I'll do my best not to disappoint you," recalled the grieving father, who had the solemn duty of escorting his son home. Despite the tragedy, the elder Falaniko declared: "He is my hero...I will finish this fight.

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"Born in Germany but embracing his Samoan heritage, Jonathan completed combat engineer training at fort Leonard Wood before joining the Fort Riley's "Big Red One" His brief but impactful service reflected the warrior spirit of his ancestors. His legacy live on at Arlington National Cemetery (Section 60, site 8132). 

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