<p>
<em>Jacob Noal Fritz</em> was born in Richardson County, Falls City, NE, the first son of Lyle and Noala Van Andel Fritz. Born into a farming family with a history of military service, Jacob learned the traditional values of duty, hard work, and selfless service. As a young boy, he set his mind and goals to attend West Point. A stellar student at Dawson–Verdon High School, Jacob received an appointment to the Academy from Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel.</p>
<p>
As the first child of the Fritz family to attend West Point, he set the example for his two younger brothers, Daniel and Ethan, to follow. Daniel also attended and graduated from West Point in 2008. Ethan was also accepted to attend West Point in 2011 but found his calling to be part of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, graduating in 2015. Both younger brothers are currently serving, as of 2017.</p>
<p>
Jacob did his best to experience all that West Point had to offer. He joined the Glee Club his plebe year and participated in as many sports as possible for the intramural leagues. While at West Point, he graduated from the U.S. Army Air Assault School at Camp Smith, NY. As a dedicated Systems Engineering major, he decided to become a member of the Systems Engineering Club. He loved the Systems Department and its faculty. Jacob had such a kind and loving soul. When asked by the department head if he would be willing to dress up as Santa Claus for the children at the Christmas party, he excitingly accepted and continued every year until he graduated.</p>
<p>
As a cadet of Company A-1, Jacob became known as “Jolly Jake!” because he was always in the best of moods and would cheer anyone up when needed. Jake’s pride and enthusiasm for his hometown and farming background was infectious. In fact, many of his companymates couldn’t refuse invitations to visit the Fritz Farm in Verdon, NE. While in Jacob’s hometown, his family and local friends provided hospitality that was nothing short of spectacular. Jacob’s mother soon became an honorary mother for many of his West Point classmates. And, they experienced small town/farm life, such as driving in a one stoplight town, baling hay, herding cattle, and riding in a combine. Jacob was the embodiment of his hometown and traditional American values: genuine, loyal, welcoming, and honest.</p>
<p>
May 28, 2005 was truly an incredible and emotional day. After the dismissal and the cap throw, Jacob had tears of joy and pride. Everyone could see Jacob had achieved a feat unlike anything he had done before. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Field Artillery. He graduated from Airborne School and the Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Benning, GA, and then from Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK. He was then assigned to the 2-377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment (PFAR), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Richardson, AK.</p>
<p>
Jacob fell in love with the PFAR and Alaska in the short time he spent there. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, skiing, and fishing. He found great joy in the simple things of life and remained grounded despite his many accomplishments. He could not wait to tell his friends and family back home when he hiked his first glacier, saw his first moose, or caught his first halibut. He loved the Airborne unit life and camaraderie and wanted to execute as many combat training jumps as time would allow. He loved the beautiful scenery of Alaska while jumping into Malamute Drop Zone. He had set his eyes on attending the Army Jumpmaster School when he returned from deployment.</p>
<p>
Jacob was only able to enjoy Alaska for about eight months until he deployed with his unit in October 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to the Karbala Province. He found himself working as a liaison officer between the Iraqi security forces in Karbala and the U.S. forces.</p>
<p>
On January 20, 2007, Jacob’s compound was attacked by a group of insurgent commandos. He and three others were abducted that night and taken as POWs. Jacob and the three other captives were eventually recovered but found dead. In addition, one other soldier was killed and three others were wounded at the compound. The tragedy in Karbala was one of the most sophisticated attacks on U.S. troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom.</p>
<p>
Jacob had the utmost dedication to his soldiers. He was known as one of the most down-to-earth and caring officers of his unit. His joy for life was only surpassed by his loyalty to his friends and family. Jacob left this world far too early. His departure deeply saddened his friends and family, but we all find comfort in our memories of “Jolly Jake” for they bring infinitely more smiles than tears.</p>