Army Cpl. William Dean Richardson, 23; Killed Near Baghdad

When William Dean Richardson was 8 years old, he wrote an illustrated book featuring a soldier and American flags -- showing at an early age his passion to enter the military and fight for his country.

Before Sept. 11, 2001, he and his brother Greg had worked together as electricians for a year and a half.

Four days after the attack, William walked into a recruitment office determined to make a difference.

“He just wanted to make the world a better place,” said Greg, 26. “I just admire him because he fulfilled his dream.”

About two weeks before he was to make sergeant, Cpl. William Richardson, 23, died April 3 in a town near Baghdad when he came under enemy fire and fell into a canal.

He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Ft. Riley, Kan.

Richardson was born in Riverside and raised in Moreno Valley.

In 2000, he graduated from Moreno Valley High School, where he starred on the wrestling team and played outside linebacker and fullback for the football team. In July 2002 he married Teara, his sweetheart since age 13.

At 5 feet 9 and with the ability to bench press 400 pounds, Richardson always showed a competitive spirit.

“We loved to wrestle in our platoon, and everyone wanted to challenge the big guy,” said Cpl. Jason Spears. “He never lost -- he was too big.”

While at Ft. Riley, Richardson served as an automatic rifleman and dismounted team leader.

He deployed with Operation Iraqi Freedom I in March 2003 and went back in February 2004. He redeployed with Operation Iraqi Freedom III last month.

“He was my best friend. He was my battle buddy,” Spears said. “He gave his life to save other people, and if he was here, he’d probably do it again.”

A memorial service for Richardson was held Friday in Moreno Valley.