GROVE CITY, OH (WCMH) — It was 11 years ago this week a local Marine Reserve unit suffered huge number of battle casualties in a short period in Iraq.

Twenty-two members of Columbus’ Lima Company died from either IED explosions or sniper fire.

Today one of those Marines, Lance Corporal Eric Bernholtz was honored in his hometown of Grove City.

Bernholtz was 22-years-old when he fought with the Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also one of the 13 Marines of Lima Company killed 11 years ago this week, when their troop carrier was hit and flipped by an IED.

Corporal Bernholtz’ parents Jim and Cathy stood by the Gold Star Family monument near Broadway and Columbus Streets, as a road sign in their son’s name was unveiled.

His mother talked about that fateful day 11 years ago.

“We stood up and just like in the movies; ‘We regret to inform you that your son Lance Corporal Eric Bernholtz was killed this morning by an IED along with 13 other of his marine brothers,’ and it was surreal,” said Cathy Bernholtz.

She said everyone associated with Lima Company has sacrificed. “Many of his Marine brothers came home and are the walking wounded, they also pay a daily sacrifice.”

His father spoke about Eric’s love for Grove City. “He wanted to come home and be by his family and raise his own family here, and we are honored by the outpouring of sympathy,” Jim Bernholtz said.  “Now everyone that comes through downtown which was one of his favorite places are going to recognize there was a young man who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy here,” he said.

State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) and state lawmakers were instrumental in naming section of the highway after fallen warriors. A section of U.S. 62 between Southwest Blvd. And Kingston Avenue will now be known as the “Marine Lance Corporal Eric J. Bernholtz Memorial Highway.”

The Gold Star monument is not just a tribute to Marines of Lima Company, it is for all families who have lost a loved one in combat.