I had the honor to serve as Mark's Executive Officer in Hawaii from 2009 through 2011.  I learned a lot from him and most important, I learned that he was a thoroughly good man, and cared deeply about what he did, those that he worked with, and mostly his children. Our prayers are with them and the rest of his family, may he be at Peace.

Very sad to hear  this news.  Condolences to the entire Bacon family.  Rest in peace.

I had never met LTC Mark Bacon until we were put together with me as his Command Sergeant Major and him as my Commander for the 303D EOD Battalion In Scholfield  Barracks, Hawaii.  We faced huge challenges together standing a new unit up and deploying to Iraq shortly after. I am so grateful for the leadership, mentorship, and partnership we were able to build.  He was the best Commander I ever served with and instrumental in our successful Iraq deployment and redeployment .

I am at a loss for words in what to say and wish I had done a better job of staying in contact. I know I would not have pursued my current career as High School JROTC instructor without the long conversations we had regarding each of our future plans. My regards to his family and very sorry for their loss. I know he will be missed.



I had the pleasure of serving with Mark in Iraq in 2004 and in Kuwait prior to the invasion of Iraq. He was a professional at all times. I dealt with Mark over the years we spent in Army EOD and at all times I knew I was dealing was a extremely professional and talented Officer. He will be missed by all that knew him. 

I attended an EOD School with Mark at Eglin AFB (he coached me through most of it).  Later we worked a few assignments together and in 1997 he attended my retirement ceremony at Andrew's AFB.  A true professional, a  patriot and a friend.  RIP Mark, thank you for your service.
       Jim Galvin
       U.S. Secret Service
       (TSD Retired)

I served with Mark. An honorable man who will be missed. May he walk by the side of the Lord. 

R/COL(Ret) Mike Buckley
USA, EOD

In remembering my friend and comrade, I recall the following incident which epitomizes Marks dedication in always helping others regardless of the dangers to himself.
 
The below is an extract form the original eyewitness statement for Mark and CPT Kevin Wynes of an incident in which they were awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB). I provided the eyewitness account of the incident as then Battalion Commander of the 79th Ordnance Battalion, (EOD) Ft Sam Houston TX during OIF1 occurring on 14 Sep 03 at approximately 1100 hours on MSR Tampa in the vicinity of Al Fallujah, Iraq.

As Battalion staff officers, I, as Battalion Commander, Mark as Battalion S3 and CPT Wynes as Ass’t S3, we were not equipped to conduct combat bomb disposal operations especially under fire and with the danger of IEDs.  While traveling down MSR Tampa, we noticed a smoke plume ahead and slowed to a stop approximately 300 meters from the site of a very recent IED attack.  When we arrived on-scene, there was gunfire coming from several buildings.  

Other military vehicles were stopped, and a cordon had been created for protection.  The vehicle was still burning as we approached.  Most of the wounded had been taken out of the vehicle but the driver was presumed deceased and was still in the vehicle (it was still burning).  There was concern that the vehicle was carrying AT-4s and other munitions and that the heat may cause the ordnance to detonate. Sensing the exigency of the situation and imminent danger to personnel, MAJ Bacon and CPT Wynes exemplified courage and dedication by not only recovering the remains of a fallen comrade but also render safe 3 additional IEDs which were in place to attack other units by the enemy. 

Mark and Kevin demonstrated unique courage and selfless service in support units under fire and in danger of IEDs without any concern for their lives.  Mark always worried about others more than himself.  This is example of selfless servant, comrade and friend.


OBITUARY

Lt. Col. Mark James Bacon

September 18, 1961 – November 8, 2019

Forest Park East Funeral Home & Cemetery

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