California Boy Dies Day After Becoming Honorary Marine at Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, CA — The life of a San Diego-based Marine’s son was tragically cut too short, but not before the U.S. Marine Corps granted the father's wish for his dying son.

In a ceremony Saturday at Camp Pendleton, Wyatt Seth Gillette, 7, of San Clemente, the son of Marine Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Gillette, was presented the title of Honorary Marine on behalf of the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Wyatt was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome Type 1 (Trex 1 Mutation). The disorder mainly affects the brain, the immune system and the skin and causes secondary medical problems such as leukodystrophy, seizures, type 1 diabetes, cerebral palsy, hypertension and adrenal insufficiency.

Wyatt was hospitalized since June 15 with kidney failure, his mother, Felishia Gillette, wrote on YouCaring.com.

“...With this syndrome it’s amazing Wyatt has made it this far,” Felishia wrote. “The syndrome causes many other conditions which have to be treated … Even with all these obstacles, Wyatt has made it through all of this by the love and support he has in his life, so thank you to everyone who has been there … Due to the fact Wyatt has a life altering syndrome he is not a candidate for a life saving transplant.”

In an update on July 27, Felishia wrote that Wyatt was discharged from the hospital. “...When we go home we will have about 5-14 days with Wyatt,” she wrote.

Jeremiah Gillette, a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, confided in his Marine colleagues that as his son fought for his life, he wanted to see him made an Honorary Marine. An online petition was started, and his request, which required the approval of the Marine Corps Commandant, was granted.

Wyatt is only the 96th recipient of the Honorary Marine award since the program’s inception in 1992, the Marine Corps stated in a news release.

Gen. Robert B. Neller, Marine Corps Commandant, said in a Twitter post it was “one of the easiest decisions yet as CMC ... "

Wyatt, who would have turned 8 on Aug. 15, died just after 10 a.m. Sunday, his father told ABC7.

According to a news release from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, "the 'Honorary Marine' title reinforces the special bond between the American people and the Corps by recognizing individuals in the civilian community who have made extraordinary contributions to the Marine Corps. Wyatt met the criteria because of his terminal condition.

"The title Marine is a revered designation that affords a special distinction to those who earn it. Therefore, only the Commandant of the Marine Corps can officially designate an individual as an 'Honorary Marine.'"

Photos by Marine Cpl. Angelica Annastas/MCRD San Diego