"It's been very, very difficult for everyone," said Barbara Jimenez, Schmidt's mother. Schmidt, 21, died at the Brooke Army Medical Center Burn Unit in Texas on May 11.

Jimenez said her son would most likely be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

"We were all hoping the outcome would be different," Jimenez said.

Jimenez said she couldn't be more proud of her son, as are all the members of his family.

"We are extremely proud of John and his dedication and service to the Marine Corps," Jimenez said. "Words cannot express our sorrow. We witnessed firsthand his strength, courage and bravery. He was our Johnny."

Schmidt said she is comforted in knowing people remained supportive while her son fought for his country and later for his life.

"We just want to thank everyone in the community for their continued support through this," Jimenez said. "The outpouring of support to us has been incredible and we want to thank everyone for being by our side."

John Schmidt was awarded the Purple Heart on March 30, two months after being seriously injured in the Al Anbar Province in Iraq on Jan. 30. Schmidt and members of his platoon from I Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, took shelter at an old ice-making facility near Fallujah.

The platoon took over the building as an observation post when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the building, igniting ammonia tank inside.

Schmidt suffered extensive burns to his skin, esophagus and lungs. He underwent a tracheotomy to help him breathe.

Schmidt was in Iraq less than two weeks when the attack occurred. He was flown to Germany and then to Texas, where he underwent treatment.

His mother said Schmidt joined the Marines because he felt they would be the most strict of the military branches. Schmidt grew up in Danbury and moved to Florida, where he attended Oviedo High School. After taking a series of jobs in Florida, he moved to Brookfield to be near his mother, his stepfather, Dr. Eric Jimenez, and stepbrother, Dan. A year later, he surprised his family and joined the Marines. Schmidt graduated from boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., in January 2004.

"Of course we're very upset he didn't make it," said Richard Backlund, Schmidt's grandfather who lives in Florida.

Shortly after graduation, Schmidt spent three months in Haiti during uprisings in there.

"He grew up a lot" during the Haiti assignment, Jimenez said. "He was very mature."

Brookfield residents responded when they heard of Schmidt's injuries. Barbara Jimenez said she received many cards, including from people she and her family didn't know. A 'Get Well,' sign with the words Semper Fi — 'forever faithful,' hung from the infamous Graffiti Bridge in town. A picture was taken of the posting and was signed by Marines from town for presentation to Schmidt.

"John got to see the picture," Jimenez said. "We were glad he got a chance to see it."

First Selectman Jerry Murphy said the town extends its sympathies to Schmidt's family.

"Being from Brookfield, he knew what the bridge meant and being a Marine he knew what Semper Fi meant," Murphy said. "We were just hoping that he'd get better."

Murphy said a memorial ceremony will be prepared to honor Schmidt.

Police Chief Robin Montgomery, a retired Marine who sustained injuries while fighting in Vietnam, will help prepare the service.

"It's a very sad thing to know he's passed," Montgomery said. "People should think about all our service men and women in harm's way. I hope the public appreciates what these men and women are doing."

Montgomery said Marines share a special bond.

"All Marines go through training and come out willing to fight for their country and fight for their fellow Marine," Montgomery said. "When you lose somebody, it affects everyone."