Hometown: Logansport, IN
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA
Military Honors: Purple Heart
Date of Sacrifice: August 26, 2021 - KIA in Kabul, Afghanistan 
Age: 22
Conflict: War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021

Humberto “Bert” Sanchez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Logansport (IN) High School in 2017, where he excelled as a student and athlete. He was honored to serve his country, and was assigned to Marine Corps 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.

Serving as an embassy guard in Jordan, Cpl. Sanchez and his unit were later reassigned to the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul when the Taliban began to reassert its power in Afghanistan during the late summer of 2021.

During the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Sanchez was assisting with the evacuation of 100,000 Americans and Afghan refugees. He was one of 13 troops killed by a suicide bomber as they helped to screen Afghans and others at the Abbey Gate of the airport. At least 169 Afghans were also killed in the bombing as they struggled to get into the airport and escape the Taliban.

Vice President Mike Pence, also a former governor of Sanchez’s home state, cited news reports that Cpl. Sanchez remained at the Abbey Gate aiding adults and children even when it was clear the Marines would have to evacuate. “Cpl. Sanchez didn’t run,” Pence said. “He was determined to get the kids out of the gate, and he stayed at his post.”

According to Chaplain Capt. Blake Campbell, “It was in this selfless act of bravery and courage that he gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave up his life in defense of the defenseless. What we will do today is honor a perfect Marine.”

In his hometown of Logansport, Indiana, a new “Cpl. Humberto Sanchez AMVETS Post 82621” was chartered and named in his honor.

Sources
Card Photo: U.S. Marine Corps, used with family permission
Stars and Stripes: ‘Finest and forever best’: Cpl. Humberto Sanchez laid to rest in emotional funeral
Chicago Tribune: ‘A perfect Marine’: Pastor and politicians honor Indiana’s Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, killed during Afghanistan evacuation
U.S. Department of Defense: DOD Identifies Marine Corps, Navy and Army Casualties
Pharos Tribune: Family of Cpl. Humberto Sanchez presented with Honor and Remember Flag
Burial Site: Find a Grave