DIAMOND, SEAN

Sean D. Diamond was born on March 17, 1967, in Dublin California, and grew up in Oakland and Berkley before moving to Newport Beach, Florida, then Colorado, where he graduated from high school and attended a year of college. Sean enlisted into the Army on September 02, 1987, as an infantryman. After his two years of active-duty service, he joined the Army Reserves where he served an additional 6 years. On May 24, 2000, he left the reserves and returned to active duty in the Army. 

Sean loved two things most in life: family and flying. He earned his private pilot’s license in the early 1990’s and would rent a single-engine plane and fly around the Bay Area, passing over Alcatraz Island, the Oakland Coliseum and near the Golden Gate Bridge.  

SSG Diamond, a heavy construction equipment operator, was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, at Fort Lewis WA. 

Sean hated being away from his family, including his wife, Loramay, and their four children Taylor, Madison, Sean and Athena; however, he volunteered to deploy at the start of the war. 

Loramy wrote “my husband was a loving person. He had the most beautiful heart and soul. He was a caring father and dedicated husband. He never forgot us… We will deeply miss him but we will never ever forget him.”  

SSG Diamond participated in more than 100 combat patrols with his company and worked on more than 25 construction projects. “He made a huge and lasting effect on the future of Iraq,” said battalion commander Lt. Col. Pete Helmlinger. “This is truly a better place because of his service.” 

SSG Diamond’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal (four oak leaf clusters), Presidential Unit Citation Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (one oak leaf cluster), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and many more. 

SSG Diamond was killed on 15 February 2009 in As Salam when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was on his third tour to Iraq, and was expected to return to the United States on February 27 to celebrate his 42nd birthday in Dublin with his family.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SSG Sean D. Diamond for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.