Katherine Cathey and 2nd Lt. James J. Cathey. Todd Heisler’s Pulitzer Prize Winning Photographic Series
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At the first sight of her husband’s flag-draped casket, Katherine Cathey broke into uncontrollable sobs, finding support in the arms of Major Steve Beck. When Beck first knocked on her door in Brighton, Colorado, to notify her of her husband’s death, she glared at him, cursed him, and refused to speak to him for more than an hour. Over the next several days, he helped guide her through the grief. By the time they reached the tarmac, she wouldn’t let go.
The 2006 Pulitzer Prize in Feature Photography went to Todd Heisler and The Rocky Mountain News for this photographic series.
© All rights reserved by Todd Heisler and Rocky Mountain News.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/
(Click on the images if you wish to view them individually.)
Minutes after her husband’s casket arrived at the Reno airport, Katherine Cathey fell onto the flag. When 2nd Lt. James Cathey left for Iraq, he wrote a letter to Katherine that read, in part, “there are no words to describe how much I love you, and will miss you. I will also promise you one thing: I will be home. I have a wife and a new baby to take care of, and you guys are my world.”
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The knock at the door begins a ritual steeped in tradition more than two centuries old; a tradition based on the same tenet: “Never leave a Marine behind.” When the wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, Maj. Steve Beck expected to find himself overseas, in the heat of battle. He never thought he would be the one arranging funerals for his fallen comrades.
Major Steve Beck and another Marine approach the family home of 2nd Lt. James Cathey, preparing to escort the Catheys to the airport to receive their son’s body. Five days earlier, the shadows of Casualty Assistance Call Officers followed the same path, carrying the news no military family ever wants to hear. “I’ll never forget Major Beck’s profile,” said Bob Burns of the night he was notified of his son’s death. The gold star flag in the window signifies the death of a loved one oversees.
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After arriving at the funeral home, Katherine Cathey pressed her pregnant belly to her husband’s casket, moaning softly. Two days after she was notified of Jim’s death in Iraq, she found out they would have a boy. Born on December 23, 2005, he was named James Jeffrey Cathey, Jr.
Since James Cathey was killed in a massive explosion, his body was delicately wrapped in a shroud by military morticians, then his Marine uniform was laid atop his body. Since Katherine Cathey decided not to view her husband’s body, Maj. Steve Beck took her hand, and pressed it down on the uniform. “He’s here,” he said quietly. “Feel right here.”
The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of “Cat,” and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. “I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,” she said. “I think that’s what he would have wanted.”
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Oh, Onemoreoption, I am crying for young widow Katherine and I so hope Major Steve a full long life and am sending him a psychic embrace. This is something I thought I’d ever do, break into necessary tears while reading a blog post. You are a loving, sensitive soul. G
God Bless Katherine Cathey and her new son!
In deepest sympathy and gratitude for 2nd Lt. James Cathey, my thoughts are with you.
Words can not express how deeply moved I am by these pictures, and this story. With each tear that fell, I healed a little bit more.
RIP Lt. Cathey
Semper Fi
Where do such men come from, and why is it that we must lose them to such banal evil.
:silence:
The Marines Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy
presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt; steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.
I remember him as a young squad leader in Hawaii -before Iraq. He was a 20 or 21 year old sergeant back then. I remember him saying that he wanted to be the Commadant of the Marine Corps some day. I did not doubt him one bit, because of his accomplishments at such a young age. He was one of the hardest Marines I have ever met.
I have been mourning for Mrs. Cathey since I saw the picture of her laying beside the coffin of her husband…I even used the picture as my backgound desktop on my computer for quite awhile. I had never been moved so much by a photograph. I wish her and baby son well and I hope in time a return to happiness.
What a beautiful tribute to a fallen hero and his wife. God bless Mrs. Cathey and her son.
When I read the article about 2nd Lt. Cathey, Katherine and their unborn son, I became so deeply moved that I could not get the image of her laying next to the flag drapped coffin out of my mind -I still can’t. I could not sleep for weeks after that. I decided to write a poem in tribute to Lt. Cathey and his brave widow who would not leave his side, even in death. After I wrote it, it was like getting a ten ton rock off my chest. I wish there were some way to tell Katherine that I continue to keep her and her family in my prayers and I think about her often. God bless you Katherine and all the families who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. May God bless the United States Marine Corps – Semper Fidelis. The poem can be found at:
http://66.220.11.194/visit/viewpoetry.asp?AuthorID=44542&id=189470
If anyone is interested in reading it.
With great admiration and love,
~Butch Howard
Not too many days go by that I don’t think about this young woman and her husband. I still say a prayer for her and their child.
Not sure how to let Katherine know that my son, Francis, wrote a song for her when he read about her. It is really beautiful – written by a young man of just 18.
I hope it brings you some comfort if you have lost someone you love.
http://www.myspace.com/franohanlon
God bless.
Gerry
It’s been 2½ years since this families loss, and I just got an email about this story. It’s heart breaking. Being a pregnant military wife, my heart goes out to her and her child.
I thought I was a tough guy but I was so moved by the picture of the casket under the airliner that I searched until I found this. I went to the Pulitizer site and saw all Todds’ works there also. It started with an email from a friend near Atlanta today. None of us not directly touched by this war can fathom what Katherine feels. God Bless her and her son.
I would like to add a line I always remember from “The Bridges at Toko-Ri” – Where do we get such men?
I have seen many a time in e-mails sent to me, the picture of the flag draped coffin being removed from the airplane. i never new the story behind it. I was curious and looked it up and found the story of Kathrine. I admire her strength and ability to be strong and to be able to do the things that she did. one of the hardest jobs in the military doesn’t even involve the soldiers themselves, it involves being a military wife/spouse. This story is one that i will never forget for as long as i live, it has truly shaken me to the core because war is a sad reality and so is death. I won’t ever forget James J. Cathey for as long as i live. I support our troops and the families that support them, because behind every fallen soldier is a family who lost a hero…
Wow…
Lt. Cathey may you rest in peace, you are not just a hero, you are a man, you are a Marine! Semper Fi.
May the good Lord look down on Katherine, and James Jr. and comfort them as much as can be expected… thank you to all three for your ultimate sacrifice. You are loved.
God Bless
Katherine and James Jr. may you find comfort in know that you and your family will always be watched over by the Marines who served with and loved your husand like a brother. Semper Fi
Dear Katherine and James, Jr.
Words can never expressed the feelings I have for the sacrifice you both have suffered as well as Lt. Cathey. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am honored to be protected by men such as your husband. Because of him, we all sleep in peace at night. I can only hope one day you will be at peace. You and your son and the memory of your husband will be forever in my prayers.
May God bless you and your son.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss and i want you to know that i pray for you and for all those in your situation. god bless you and your son. and remember he will always be america’s hero and will always be looking over you and your son.
sincerely chelsea p
my son want to be in the marine, a dont’ now is dad is ok a am scare
though i am not an american, and though i have not been a friend of the whole iraq thing from the beginning, yet i nevertheless feel sorrow and sympathy for all the young men and women who die for their country. me and my wife, we are deeply moved by this story and by the pictures, words cannot express the pain that we feel with you. i hope that one day you, Katherine, and your child will get along and that pride and life will survive sorrow and tears. God bless you, and – yes, semper fi
andy
I think it’s important for people to build online tribute pages for the ones we love, so they can live on forever. I just built a page. It’s a great site. Just thought I’d pass the word in case you wanted to post a free tribute too! God Bless You!
very touching and very sad. I pray for you and your son and that angels are watching over the both of you. This story was heart wrenching, I couldnt imagine… God bless.
Wow…this picture brings tears to my eyes.I can’t honestly say that i feel what Mrs. Cathey is going through, but i do know what its like to lose someone you love..im sure everyone does.im so sorry for your loss, i hope that GOD will bless you and your baby boy.I will pray for you and hope that they will be answered.my heart has felt the heaviness of your grief just from this single picture.i hope that one day,when i am an adult that this war,that really has no cause,w will finally come to an end.i send you all my love, and hope that you and James Jr. are in good health.my condolences go out to you and your family.
Love Always
Tori
god damn george w. bush for inflicting this pain on ordinary americans without making sure there was an urgent need to do so. Shame on bush, he has no honor.
I am so sorry for your loss. I served with the 82nd airborne in the first gulf war and it is not easy losing a friend or a loved one in this way. I am a 39 year old man and I cried like a baby when I saw these pictures. You are a truly strong person with a beautiful baby. God bless you and your family
KATHERINE,
JAMES IS FINALLY HOME, AND HE WILL MEET YOU AT THE GATE….IT WAS HIS DESTINED TIME AND HIS WAY TO GO, AND HE WENT PROUD, AND BRAVE….PLEASE READ THE BOOK 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN….GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR BABY BOY….YOU STAND FIRM, BE STRONG
AND HOLD OUT….I LOVE YOU……JO LYNNE
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS………
DEAR KATHERINE,
NO GREATER A SACRIFICE THAN A MAN TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR ANOTHER. BECAUSE OF JAMES AND OTHERS LIKE HIM, FAMILIES WILL PLAY BASEBALL, PICNIC IN PEACE, WALK IN THE FOREST, SWIM AT THE LAKE AND BOW IN HUMBLE RESPECT. JAMES WILL BE OUR HERO, YOUR JAMES AND HIS CHILD’S FATHER. THANK-YOU FOR SHARING AND ALLOWING US TO GRIEF THE LOSS. KATHERINE LOVE TO YOU FROM US AND THOSE WE TOUCH ABOUT THIS STORY AND PICTURES. GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR SON. JAMES IS BLESSED BY YOUR KINDNESS.
if you look, and dont see me… look again.
i am here.
if you reach out to touch me… and feel nothing, reach again.
i am here.
if you listen, and dont hear me… listen again.
i am here.
always beside you, always surrounding you, always filling your soul, with my own.
i should think these simple words, would be the words the young marine would wish for her to hear. such a terrible loss.
Mrs. Cathey, I was Lt. Cathey’s radio operator with 1st plt Golf Company. I was there, and not a day goes by where I dont think about what happened. I hope you get this and if you do please write me, I wish i got a chance to meet you and little James back when we had the 2nd Div memorial, but Gunny Caspole said you had trouble with your flight, and all the 1st plt boys were asking permission to find out where you were and pick you up. I dont know why im writing this now, just to some how let you know that he is never forgotten, ever, and neither are you and little James, ever.
Always,
Matt
God bless you and your family. Your sacrifices for our country will never be forgotten. I pray for you to find continued strength in your love, thoughts, memories and prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa Brigner
Let’s not forget to wish Happy 4Th to all the United States Armed forces fighting for our freedom.
Same to all the veterans that are here back home. People give to a Homeless veteran. Give what you can put no limit. He or She put no limit in giving everything including their life for us. Let’s do the same for them for those homeless heroes.
Homeless veterans are proud too… the want a chance not pity.
Just Finished Jim Sheelers Book, Final Salute. As a guy who rarely cries, I could not hold back the tears. This book is full of heroes and James Cathey is one of them. My deepest sympathies to his family. God Bless.
This article caught my attention because we share the same last name. There have been so many fallen soldiers, but I feel a certain connection with this family. My heart is heavy, and I truly hope that with time their grief will lighten. God bless both Kathrine and her son.
Thank you so much for your proof that good people still exist in todays world. Your strength is truly inspirational and your dedication is un-questionable. That of which you have lost will never be forgotton… not by this Marine.
Mrs. Cathey… with all that is within me, I shall never forget. I return to this sight every few months or so. All humility pales in an attempt to offer my most profound, deepest condolence.
Mrs. Cathey… I was in Lt. Cathey platoon in Iraq and every year on this same day I think about Lt. Cathey and how great he was. He only wanted the best for us and he will never be forgotten.I want to wish you and your son the best and once again let you know that he is a great man and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.
ALWAYS
MARK
My heart goes out to these two soldiers who faught while we relaxed at home. Thank you for fighting for my freedom. May God bless you, and you will be in my prayers daily.
Dear Mrs. Cathey,I am a direct descendent of the first Cathey families to arrive in Rowan County N.C. I grieve for anyone killed or wounded in the war with Iraq but I am especially touched by your permission to share your tragic loss with me. My heart is with you as a member of the Cathey family. May you find peace with sweet memories as did I as a young widow.
With much love,
Mary Lois Hill
im just speechless about the whole thing..im really touched…
semper fi.
dear mrs. cathey,
i was in james’ platoon in Hawaii before he was a LT. to this day, i rarely have come across another non-commissioned officer with the likes of him. when i think of all the great men i’ve known and served with, he still comes to mind after all these years. a true gentleman. i never saw him angry. very smart and always a professional. i have no doubt he was a great officer. every once and then when i lose my way i think of him and i look at your photos. i will not let him down. may God bless you and your families. semper fi.
Semper Fi to another great American hero. God bless you and your son Mrs. Cathey for you are also a hero ..
John McCarron SMCS
USN (RET)
Katherine, a love like that is rare… but I hope you will know great love again.
I just finished Final Salute. The story of the Catheys and the others in this book should be required reading for all members of Congres and the White house staff. I had to read the book in small pieces. Had to stop and gather myself before reading on. I think of all the folks in this book every day.
these pictures are so moving! God Bless you Katherine and i pray for all of the soldiers and their families!
Hope you have the same sympathy you shown to the hundred thousands in Iraq
God bless you and your family, Katherine. I could barely breathe looking at these pictures. I felt love and sorrow at the same time. You are so strong, as was your husband. He will live on through your son. God bless you.
Katherine,
I do not know you nor did I know your husband, but I have seen your story many times and I hope you know that even now, your husbands sacrifice and you and your son’s sacrifices are known by many. We pray for you, for your family and I hope you know that the life he gave, is not in vain. Sad that not every American will Thank him and you, but any of us that have served salute him and you and your family for what you have given, and given up. Many fellow veterans like myself still keep you in our prayers and never forget the sacrifices that you and so many have given.
I will be the first to post in 2009, but I will not be the last to post my gratitude and sympathy for all that was given for my freedom.
God Bless you, James and your entire family.
This is a sad picture. Its touching.
I am sorry that i have not spoken to you in a while. There is not a day that goes by that i dont think about James and all of the fallen Marines from 2/2. I hope all is well and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Dear Mrs. Cathey,
I hope you and your child are well. My son Ryan knew Cat at CU Boulder and Jim was a great and positive influence on Ryan. Ryan, a Sergeant now, just re-enlisted with 3rd Recon. I keep Jim’s name on my office wall with my pictures of Ryan. Two more names have been added to my list since August, 2005, of young wonderful Marines like Jim. They too were Ryan’s brothers in the Corps. They, each of them, will never be forgotten.
I have seen some hard and sad things in my life. Nothing too traumatic though. These pictures alone, especially poor Mrs Cathey, have touched and affected me more than anything I have personally ever witnessed. I literally lost my breathe and my chest aches. I’m at a serious absence of words other than this. My heart goes out to the Cathey family and all other K.I.A. families.
I literally weeped for you and your child. There seem too few people in this world today with the love, understanding and courage that your family has portrayed. I want to thank you for the sacrific that you and your husband made for my family’s freedom. I do not feel that Thank You is enough-right now, there are no words that could express how this has affected me. Lt. Cathey, you and your son will forever be in my heart.
God, I pray for this man and his family. I know that he is in Your arms watching over them. Please allow Katherine and her son feel his presence and know that they are not alone. In Your Heavenly name I pray, Amen.
Some say, if it doesn’t effect me, what do I care.
I say God Bless 2nd Lt. James J Cathey and Katherine and his son. I also say God Bless every veteran who is here alive and well today, for their fate may have been the same at Lt. Cathey, they all chose to put their lives at risk so we can have freedom of choice in America. May the Lord continue to Bless the Cathey family and all our soldiers. Everything that happens effects all of us. Unfortunately, we may not realize it.
Mrs. Cathey & James Jr.,
May you find inner peace, joy and happiness. We mourn those no longer with us, with hopes of reuniting with them one day. That day shall come for you and his son. You shall be together again as one.
May God continue to bless you and his first born son. I pray for your mental health, as well as your daily safety.
May 2nd Lt. James J. Cathey’s sacrifices and all the other military comrades’ serve as an example upon us all.
Katherine you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fidelis
Daughter of a retired Army Soldier
Mrs. Cathey and little James Jr.,
As a fellow Nevadan and veteran, I express my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You have allowed the world to view the agony that so many, thank God, will never know or comprehend. Your husband honored his family, his country and his God. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you and James Jr. every day. Semper Fi
This is so sad story… Im really sorry…
im sorry to hear what happened in my prayers u will be ..Semper Fi
Dear Mrs. Cathy,
Your husband is a real hero of America. I will pray for you and for your son James Jr., I express my deep condolence on behalf of my nation.
These images are so moving and heart wretching I can barely read the captions through the tears in my eyes. God bless these families and give them strength to carry on after suffering the terrible loss of their love ones. A friend sent this to me and when I’m havin a bad day and I start to feel sorry for myself I go to these images to understand what a bad day is really like. “God Bless America and the Men and Women who serve her.”
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I’m sorry for your loss. i cant imagine how you must feel. when i read this article i cried May God bless you and your family
These pictures and events really touch me to the bottom of my heart. I wish, i could do something to help them all! Unfortunatelly, i dont have the higher power to do so but God does! I believe in eternal life and these wonderful lovers and family will be reunited some day! I really believe it! God bless you all we we really love you! I am sad though for your grief and we all stand by your side in times of sorrow! Love is much more deeper than life! It will last an eternity until you are all united again! God Speed!