Funeral Held For Indianapolis Soldier

INDIANAPOLIS -- A 19-year-old Indianapolis soldier whom the Army calls a hero for staying at his post in an attack that killed him was laid to rest Tuesday.

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Army Officer: Soldier's Actions Saved Lives

Family and friends gathered at Speedway's St. Christopher Catholic Church for the funeral of Pfc. Jesse M. Halling, who was killed when his unit was attacked June 7 near a military police station in Tikrit, Iraq.

"From everything I heard, he went out on a limb for his friends, so we're proud of him," Halling's father, Al Halling, told RTV6 Tuesday.

Jesse Halling, a 2002 graduate of Ben Davis High School, was awarded a posthumous Purple Heart and has been nominated for a Silver Star Medal, the Army's third-highest medal for valor.

Halling (pictured, right) had ordered others in his 401st Military Police Company to take cover during the attack while he remained at his post, trying to reload his machine gun and firing an M-16 rifle until he was hit by shrapnel.

"He died doing what he wanted to do, and that was serve in the military and serve his country. Of course, that left a big void in our hearts," Al Halling said.

After Jesse Halling's death, the Army made special dog tags and gave them to his loved ones. The tags featured his name and the words "Iraq War Hero."

"The result of him being in that position saved many others -- they say at least three to five other soldiers' lives -- due to his heroism," Army Brig. Gen. Randal Castro said.

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson ordered American, state and city flags in Indianapolis to fly at half-staff Tuesday to honor Halling.

Danny Ahlbrand, a friend of the soldier's, said he and Halling had been planning to start a motorcycle business. He credits Halling with pushing him to get passing grades in high school.

"I don't think it's going to sink in until August, when I'm expecting him home," Ahlbrand said.