December 20, 2024 2nd Marine Raider Battalion – MARSOC Compound, Stone Bay
Captain John D. Terselic was born in Tijeras, New Mexico, on March 14, 1995. In April 2018, Second Lieutenant Terselic first reported to Quantico, Virginia, then to The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course. Upon completion of the Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
at Marine Corps Base Hawaii to assume duties as the Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) Platoon Commander. Between June and December 2019, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of a Unit Deployment Program (UDP).
In July 2020, First Lieutenant Terselic attended Marine Forces Special Operations Command Assessment & Selection. After successfully passing A&S, he reported to the Individual Training Course and graduated from the course in May 2023. While at ITC, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Terselic completed Expeditionary Warfare School and Multi-Mission Parachute Course before assuming command of Marine Special Operations Team 8234 in Marine Special Operations Company H, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion.
Captain Terselic received a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems along with U.S. Coast Guard Licenses as a 3rd Marine Engineer for diesel, gas turbine and steam engines and a certification as a HVAC Technician from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
In the early morning hours of December 20, 2024, while conducting physical training onboard the MARSOC
compound, Captain Terselic collapsed and suddenly passed away as a result of a previously undiagnosed
medical condition.
Captain Terselic’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (awarded posthumously), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
