Jeremy James Graczyk was born on August 29, 1977, and grew up in Atkinson, New Hampshire. He graduated as valedictorian from Timberlane Regional High School in 1995 and subsequently attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with distinction in 1999. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Graczyk began his active service in 1999 as an infantry officer. In 2003, he deployed as a platoon commander with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines during the initial invasion of Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his first combat tour, he transitioned to special operations, serving as a reconnaissance platoon commander with the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company. He later returned to Iraq for subsequent deployments, including a tour as an Infantry Company Commander.

Following his assignments in Iraq, Graczyk was reassigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. From there, he deployed more than seven times to Afghanistan and Africa in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He achieved the rank of Major in 2009. For his extensive combat service, his decorations included a Bronze Star, a Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device (Valor), three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Combat Action Ribbons. Major Graczyk died on July 12, 2011, in a BASE jumping accident in Switzerland and was buried with full military honors.