Maryland Route 194 Dedicated for Marine Staff Sgt. Charles Issac Cartwright
The stretch of highway running through much of Glade Valley now honors the memory of Marine Staff Sgt. Charles Issac Cartwright.
Cartwright died November 7, 2009 during combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command.
Staff Sgt. Cartwright was serving his fifth tour in a war zone; two tours in Afghanistan and three tours in Iraq. He had been wounded in combat previously, but continued to fight bravely. Before his death, Cartwright had been awarded two Purple Hearts. His fellow Marines spoke very highly of Cartwright and his bravery during battles.
Charles Cartwright’s honors include:
- two Purple Hearts,
- Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal,
- two Combat Action Ribbons,
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation,
- Navy Unit Commendation,
- two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals,
- National Defense Service Medal,
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
- two Iraqi Campaign Medals,
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
- four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons,
- NATO Medal, and
- two Certificates of Commendation.

In 2011, Cartwright was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for bravery during a Taliban ambush on September 9, 2009 in Farah province. The Silver Star citation states that Cartwright “refused treatment until the enemy threat was neutralized and the Afghan casualty was safely treated by the team medic.” His parents and widow received the Silver Star from Major General Paul Lefebvre, commander of Marine Special Operations Command.
Cartwright grew up in Union Bridge. He graduated from Walkersville High School in 2001 just a few months before enlisting in the Marine Corps.
He was a member of the Johnsville United Methodist Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8806 in Union Bridge, and the Frederick Chapter DeMolay.
Cartwright is survived by his wife, Marissa, parents Carol Ann and Michael, and his sister, Rebecca Ann.
The dedication of MD 194 to Sgt. Cartwright allows all of us to remember the bravery and dedication this young man demonstrated in protecting all of us from harm. His love of country, family, and humanity inspire everyone who learns of his service and sacrifice.
Frederick News Post Video from Staff Sgt. Charles Cartwright’s Funeral Service
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