America's Fallen Hero's

PFC Shawn Stephen Knisley

Shawn was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. He came into this world as a 9lb baby boy and grew to be 6’4” and 225 lbs. He was raised in North Carolina and California. He was given the nickname of Biggins!

He attended Douglas Byrd High School and graduated in June 1994. He was the starting center for his football team. He worked at Pate’s Farmers Market all the way through high school.

Shawn joined the Marines in May 1995 here in Fayetteville, his recruiter was Staff Sergeant Edmonds, now Gunnery Sergeant Edmonds, USMC Retired. Shawn wanted to do his Basic Training in San Diego, CA., so he attended MCRD San Diego where he graduated with Meritorious PFC and was a squad leader. He loved being in the Marines and enjoyed traveling.

Shawn was in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division as a 0331 (Grunt/Machine Gunner). He was so excited about being 2nd to pick his weapon of choice, and he chose the Machine Gun.

Shawn was honored three years after his death on June 12, 2000, by naming the Marine Corps League Detachment here in Fayetteville, NC after him; Shawn Knisley Detachment, Marine Corps League, Incorporated, known as Detachment 983. Shawn’s Step-Father Tony V. Garcia was an incorporator and is currently the Jr. Vice Commandant and his mother Paula Knisley-Garcia is an Associate Member.

Shawn was also honored with a Service Dog named after him; we chose to call him Biggins. Erica Pelton, Navy Veteran, is his owner and they are best friends.

PFC Shawn Knisley died in Oceanside, California on June 27th, 1997. He was the first to be buried at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC on July 3rd, 1997.