State of New Jersey
Executive Order #44

Governor Jon S. Corzine
WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz, of Carlstadt, New Jersey, was raised in Carlstadt and graduated from Henry P. Becton Regional High School in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz was an active contributor to his community, volunteering his time and service as a member of the Carlstadt Volunteer Fire Department and the Wallington Emergency Squad; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz volunteered to join the Marine Corps following his graduation from Becton Regional High School, fulfilling a lifelong dream; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz served with honor and distinction as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz was killed in action while conducting a dismounted combat patrol against enemy forces in the city of Ar Ramadi, Al Anbar Province, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz was a courageous Marine who loved his parents, brother, family, fellow volunteers, community, and fellow Marines; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz was, in turn, loved by his parents, brother, family, fellow volunteers, community, and fellow Marines, who take great pride in his commitment, heroism, and achievements; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz has received some of our nation's highest military honors, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Ribbon, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty, while fighting on behalf of his country; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Schwarz's patriotism and dedicated service to his country and to his fellow soldiers make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey, the State where he was raised and educated, to mark his passing, remember his family as they mourn their loss, and honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

  1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, December 8, 2006, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz.

  2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 6th day
of December, Two Thousand and Six, and of
the Independence of the United States, the
Two Hundred and Thirty-First.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Kenneth H. Zimmerman

Chief Counsel to the Governor