On June 10, 2006 Bernard Corpuz had a premonition of his death and asked his aunt to care for his mother.

Bernard P. Corpuz was born on August 16, 1977, in Kings County, California, to Bernaldo and Margaret Corpuz and spent his formative years in Southern California. Bernaldo worked for the US Navy and because of his frequent moves, sent his wife, son and daughter to Watsonville to live closer to his brothers. Margaret settled in the Royal Oaks area of the Pajaro Valley, acquired a mobile home and sent her son to Palma Catholic High School in Salinas. At Palma Bernard became a well-rounded student with a love for history, heavy metal, and soccer. It was in track as a sprinter and hurdler that he excelled. After his graduation in 1995, he received a track scholarship to Hartnell College where he supplemented his expenses by working in a coffee shop and bagel bakery. After two years at the junior college, Corpuz transferred to the University of LaVerne in Southern California where he majored in political science.

In July 2004 Bernard Corpuz enlisted in the US Army and after completing basic training, was selected to attend the prestigious Defense Language School in Monterey. For the next six months he concentrated upon developing a proficiency in French and was graduated in April 2005. He was then assigned to the 303 Military Intelligence Battalion of the 504 Military Intelligence Brigade stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. There he was trained to function as a detective and criminal investigator.

Shortly after completing the training program, Corpuz was assigned to Ghanzi, Afghanistan. On this assignment, he collected intelligence for Army Rangers, interrogated Afghan militants and debriefed fellow soldiers. On June 11, 2006, Corporal Bernard P. Corpuz died from wounds he received when the convoy in which he was traveling came under enemy small arms fire. During the firefight, an improvised explosive device took his life.

His body was recovered and escorted back to the United States by a girl friend who was also serving in the army in Afghanistan. Corpuz was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His awards included the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

(CBR; SCSn June 14, 2006 1:1, June 15, 2006, June 21, 2006, June 26, 2006 1:1; Arlington National Cemetery, Bernard Paul Corpuz, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/bpcorpuz.htm, [16 Sept 2008])