John “Cheese” Eric Branchizio

Age: 37
Branch: Contractor
Rank: OS1
Unit(s): ST4, Naval Special Warfare Reconnaissance Scout, Naval Special Warfare Sniper Crs, NSWU8, NSWDG2, Dyncorp
Station: Gaza

Fallen on: 15 Oct 2003
Location: Gaza Strip
Era: Global War on Terror
Campaign: Escorting diplomatic convoy

Medals & Commendations: Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal.

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Details:
John Banchizio was one of three employees that died when a bomb destroyed an armor-plated jeep in a convoy carrying U.S. diplomats. The three were assigned to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv and employed by the DynCorp defense contracting company. They died in Gaza while accompanying American diplomats to meetings with Palestinian candidates seeking Fulbright scholarships for graduate studies in the United States. A native of San Antonio, he served nine years as a Navy SEAL in Central and South America.