North Texas mourns another soldier killed in the Iraq war.

Spc. William O'Brien, 19, was killed Saturday in Baghdad after being wounded by small arms fire during combat, the Defense Department said Monday.

O'Brien grew up and was home schooled in Rice, which is just north of Corsicana. He was also born into a family with a history of service and sacrifice.

"He's a good Christian man and he's with our God, Jesus," said John O'Brien, William's older brother. "And I know he's in a better place now."

O'Brien said he and his little brother joined the Army together, even though William was really too young.

"They were asking for volunteers to join the Army," he said. "He had our parents sign the waiver so he could join at 17."

While the brothers were sent to different units, one day in Baghdad, they got a rare chance to be together.

"It was crazy," O'Brien said. "We got pictures, amazed to see each other. [We] hadn't seen each other in over a year."

Another O'Brien brother, a first sergeant, is on his was home to help the family before both brothers have to return to continue their serve for their country. It's the same thing their dad did during the Vietnam era, which was when he flew B-52s.

"As hard as it is for our family, I can't say enough good words about my brother - a great man, a great American, a true hero," O'Brien said.

They haven't scheduled the funeral yet, but O'Brien is already scheduled to serve in Afghanistan next year.

E-mail greaves@wfaa.com