[Dan]

He was only 25, but soldiers with the 5th Special Forces Group say that Staff Sgt. Paul Mardis was a leader beyond his years. Mardis was severely injured May 20 near Mosul when Iraqi insurgents set off an improvised explosive device, hitting his vehicle. The young Green Beret died from his wounds last week.

Friend SSG Mark Conant said, "He was a quick learner and a great asset to the team. Personally, he was a great friend. And it's a tragic loss."

Sgt. 1st Class "Avi" Campagne was with Mardis when they were attacked. Several soldiers were injured, but Mardis was most at risk.

"He felt he was safe," said Campagne. "That's why he took the most dangerous position in a vehicle that wasn't even protected. He chose that and he stood his ground and he would have done it again."

Everyone thought Mardis would survive. But after two months at Walter Reed Army Hospital, he died from his injuries.

"We never expected Paul would go. We knew he would be fine. We expected to see him in two or three months walking down this road," said Campagne.

One thing friends remember most about Paul Mardis is that he never gave up - not on the battlefield, and not during the two months he fought to survive.

SFC Donald Kabrich said, "I think in Paul's heart of hearts, he knew he was dying. Yet he spent all of his energy being there for us and helping us along. He lasted as long as he could."

Most of the 5th Group soldiers are still in Iraq. They held a memorial there at the same time loved ones honored him here at home. Through many tears, fellow warriors said that Sgt. Mardis will never be replaced, and certainly, never forgotten.

"Paul, I salute you, brother, for the man you were and the saint you have now become," said Kabrich.

Sgt. Mardis is survived by a wife and two sisters. The soldier's family has set up a scholarship fund in his name. Contributions can be sent to the Paul Mardis Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1000, Coshocton, OH, 43812.