Hans Rohr was with Zachary Nordmeyer the morning their patrol was ambushed in Iraq.

Both were wounded, but only Rohr survived, and he honored his friend and comforted the corporal’s family at an emotional service Friday afternoon near the Westside community where Nordmeyer grew up.

The fallen soldier’s closest relatives sat in the front row at Lakeview Church, near a flag-draped coffin.

“I’ve often wondered why I got to come home and he didn’t,” 1st Lt. Rohr told the crowd of more than 200 mourners. "I have been offered to be an honorary son of the family.

“The greatest gift and honor I’ve been given is to meet his family and give them some closure.”

The Army patrol was on a mission to capture a group of terrorists Feb. 23 when insurgents attacked about 70 miles north of Baghdad. Two other soldiers died in the firefight.

Amid tears and a few laughs, a succession of speakers remembered Cpl. Nordmeyer — a JROTC recruit from nearby Ben Davis High School — for his ready smile, dependability and quiet confidence.

“He was a positive, fun-spirited soldier who had a passion for the Army and who was recognized as a future leader,” said Brig. Gen. John W. Peabody. “He lived and died a soldier’s life.”

Nordmeyer enlisted soon after his graduation in 2007 and was sent to Iraq the following December.

He was 21 when he died — but the eulogy from Nordmeyer’s pastor at Lakeview, Jonathan Lilly, recalled a life of charisma, leadership and courage.

“I believe Zach spent his life wisely because he was an American hero,” Lilly said. “He laid down his life for you and me to protect our freedom so that those freedoms could spread throughout this world.”