Lieutenant Colonel Christopher O’Melia was born in Morristown, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Miami in May of 2002 with a bachelor's degree in computer information systems. In May 2004 he enlisted into the Marine Corps as a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Specialist and was subsequently assigned to the 2d Marine Division. In 2006 he was selected through the Enlisted Commissioning Program to attend Officer Candidate School. Christopher O’Melia was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on March 31, 2006.
After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course, Second Lieutenant O’Melia reported to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he served as a Platoon Commander and Weapons Company Executive Officer. During this tour, Second Lieutenant O’Melia deployed twice in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
In 2010, Captain O’Melia received orders to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia where he served as a Squad Tactics Instructor, Infantry Officer Course Instructor, and Deputy Director of the Infantry Officer Course.
Captain O’Melia was next selected to attend the Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia from July 2013 to June 2014. Upon graduation, Captain O’Melia reported to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Camp Pendleton, California where he served as Weapons Company Commander for Battalion Landing Team 3/1 in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s WESTPAC 15-1 deployment. Upon return, Major O’Melia was selected as the Battalion Operations Officer and deployed with the battalion in support of Unit Deployment Program 17.1.
In June 2018, Major O’Melia graduated from Marine Corps University, Command and Staff College, Quantico, Virginia, with a Master of Military Studies. Upon graduation Major O’Melia reported to Recruiting Station Los Angeles for service as the Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel O’Melia was next assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division as its Executive Officer from July 2021 to June 2023. Lieutenant Colonel O’Melia assumed command of 1st Battalion, 4th Marines in June 2023.
Lieutenant Colonel O’Melia’s personal awards are attributed to the exemplary actions of the Marines and Sailors he has been honored to serve.