Dennis “DJ” Ferderer was welcomed home a hero. Today he rests among thousands who gave to the country. Dustin White photo.

Dustin White
Editor

It was a decade ago that a young soldier lost his life in Iraq. For Morton County, it signified the first death of a local individual during the War on Terror. The name Dennis “DJ” Ferderer represented a new chapter, standing alone on the Morton County Courthouse memorial.

DJ, from New Salem, had enlisted in the Army during his senior year of high school. At just 17 years old, he was too young to join himself, and needed his mother to sign off. It was a start to his life long dream.

Serving with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, which is based in Fort Benning, Ga., DJ would find himself in Iraq, fighting not only for his country, but also for the freedom of others.

Having completed his first year in Iraq, DJ began wanting to continue with his training, with the hopes of becoming a ranger and air borne. Ultimately, he had wanted to return to Iraq again.



Tragedy struck before he was able to begin his additional training. On Nov. 2, 2005, the Humvee DJ was in was struck with a RPG with an armor piercing head. He was killed in action.

Deployed in Iraq, DJ had been aware that he was living in constant danger; however, he knew he was there for a reason. He wanted to give the people of Iraq the same peace he knew growing up.

Posthumously, DJ would be awarded the prestigious Bronze Star and Purple Heart. When he finally returned home, he did so as a hero; a hero that his home town had long known him as.

During a funeral service in New Salem, business closed, and hundreds turned out to pay their respects to their fallen soldier. For many, his death had brought the war home.