SPC Charles R. Lamb, 23, Illinois Army National Guard, born in Illinois January 12, 1981, was killed in action on September 5, 2004. Lamb was a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic with 1544th Transportation Company and deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. While at a base in Baghdad, Insurgents launched a brutal surprise mortar attack on the compound. Lamb was hit by shrapnel and passed away while shielding a friend from the blast. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and has a highway named in his honor. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!