U.S. Casualties in Iraq & Afghanistan 6/20-6/26/06
Coalition Soldier Killed; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2006 – A coalition soldier died of wounds suffered during combat operations yesterday in the Pech district of Afghanistan's Kunar province, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified several recent casualties.
"We deeply regret the loss of our fellow soldier," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Combined Joint Task Force 76 commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and his fellow soldiers. We are grateful for his selfless service." The soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has announced the identities of eight soldiers and a Marine who were recently killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom:
Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, of Ukiah, Calif., died in Baghdad June 21 of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his cargo truck. Buzzard was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Sgt. Sirlou C. Cuaresma, 25, of Chicago, died in Baghdad June 21 from a non-combat-related cause. Cuaresma was assigned to the 68th Engineer Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 13th Containment Command (Expeditionary), Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Pfc. Brian J. Bradbury, 22, of Saint Joseph, Mo., died near Naray, Afghanistan, when he encountered enemy forces using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Bradbury was assigned to the 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Army Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig, 28, of Severn, Md., died when his UH-60 helicopter hoist malfunctioned while attempting to evacuate Bradbury. Craig was assigned to the 159th Air Ambulance Medical Company, Wiesbaden, Germany.
Marine Cpl. Riley E. Baker, 22, of Pacific, Mo., died June 22 in Iraq's Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Army Staff Sgt. Mario J. Bievre, 34, of Glendale Heights, Ill., and Army Pfc. Paul A. Beyer, 21, of Jamestown, N.D., died June 23 near Baghdad after a roadside bomb detonated near their Humvee. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Army Cpl. Ryan J. Buckley, 21, of Nokomis, Ill., died in Baghdad on June 23 after a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee. Buckley was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Army Staff Sgt. Virrueta A. Sanchez, 33, of Houston, died in Balad, Iraq, on June 24 after a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee. Sanchez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Staff Sgt. Virrueta A. Sanchez, 33, of Houston, Texas, died in Balad, Iraq on June 24 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Sanchez was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Caron, Colo.
Cpl Ryan J. Buckley, 21, of Nokomis, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq on June 23 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Buckley was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Staff Sgt. Mario J. Bievre, 34, of Constantinople, Ill.
Pfc. Paul A. Beyer, 21, of Jamestown, N.D.
Cpl. Riley E. Baker, 22, of Pacific, Mo., died June 22 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Pfc. Brian J. Bradbury, 22, of Saint Joseph, Mo., died in the vicinity of Naray, Afghanistan, when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades during combat operations. Bradbury was assigned to the 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig, 28, of Severn, Md., died when his UH-60 helicopter hoist malfunctioned while attempting to evacuate Pfc. Bradbury during combat operations. Craig was assigned to the 159th Air Ambulance Medical Company, Wiesbaden, Germany. The incident is under investigation.
Sgt. Sirlou C. Cuaresma, 25, of Chicago, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq on June 21, from a non-combat related cause. Cuaresma was assigned to the 68th Engineer Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 13th Containment Command (Expeditionary), Fort Hood, Texas. This incident is under investigation.
Servicemembers Die in Iraq; DoD Identifies Earlier Casualties
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2006 – A roadside bomb killed two U.S. soldiers southeast of Baghdad today, officials announced the deaths of five other servicemembers in Iraq in recent days, and the Defense Department has identified six servicemembers who died recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The two soldiers killed today were assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad. Officials also announced that two Marines assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, were killed in action in Iraq's Anbar province -- one yesterday and the other on June 21. Also, a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday in what officials called a "non-combat incident."
The servicemembers' names are being withheld until their families are notified.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified six servicemembers who died recently in Iraq and Afghanistan:
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, 30, of Raynham, Mass., and Army Staff Sgt. Patrick L. Lybert, 28, of Ladysmith, Wis., died June 21 in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, when they encountered enemy forces using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Both were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Four Marines -- Cpl. Christopher D. Leon, 20, of Lancaster, Calif.; Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Webb, 20, of Swartz Creek, Mich.; Pfc. Christopher N. White, 23, of Southport, N.C.; and Staff Sgt. Benjamin D. Williams, 30, of Orange, Texas -- were killed in action June 20 in Iraq's Anbar province.
Webb, White, and Williams were assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Leon was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, of Constantinople, Calif., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on June 21 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HEMTT cargo truck during combat operations. Buzzard was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Whyte, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died June 21 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, 30, of Raynham, Mass. & Staff Sgt. Patrick L. Lybert, 28, of Ladysmith, Wis. were killed in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, on June 21, when they encountered enemy forces using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore. & Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of San Marcos, Texas were killed in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained on or about June 16. Both soldiers were previously listed as Duty Status – Whereabouts Unknown. Their unit came under enemy small-arms fire while manning a checkpoint during combat operations, and both soldiers were taken by enemy forces. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. This incident is under investigation.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines. Cpl. Christopher D. Leon, 20, of Lancaster, Calif. Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Webb, 20, of Swartz Creek, Mich. Pfc. Christopher N. White, 23, of Southport, N.C. & Staff Sgt. Benjamin D. Williams, 30, of Orange, Texas Leon died June 20 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Webb, White, and Williams all died June 20 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were all assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Soldiers Killed, Wounded in Afghanistan; DoD Identifies Casualties
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2006 – Four U.S. soldiers were killed and one was wounded yesterday during combat and combat rescue operations in the Kamdesh district of Afghanistan's Nuristan province, and the Defense Department has identified two earlier casualties from the war in Iraq.
Coalition forces attacked enemy extremists in a remote area of the Kamdesh district while conducting security operations to interdict enemy movement through northern Nuristan, officials said. During the mission, four U.S. soldiers were killed. Their names are being withheld until their families are notified.
"We deeply regret the deaths of these brave and selfless soldiers who died fighting for security and freedom," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of Combined Joint task Force 76. "These superb soldiers, who represented the best our nation has to offer, served our Army and nation proudly. They were fighting for a better future for the people of Afghanistan, and we will never forget them."
The soldier who was wounded in the fighting was evacuated to a coalition hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Close-air support and ground forces continued to press the assault on enemy positions into the night, officials said. Enemy casualties have yet to be determined. Afghan National Army and coalition forces have conducted operations in the most northern regions of Nuristan since Operation Mountain Lion began in mid-April. Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said Afghan and coalition forces have made good progress in disrupting enemy movement throughout the region and have introduced much needed humanitarian support and, through security and stability, have paved the way for new construction, economic development and needed infrastructure.
"We will not be deterred in our mission," Freakley said. "With the support of Afghan and coalition forces, the Afghan government offers development, jobs, education (and) a better way of life. These insurgents only bring violence, fear and intimidation. They offer the people of Afghanistan nothing. Our fallen soldiers would want their comrades to continue the good work they left behind."
Also yesterday, the Defense Department identified two soldiers who died June 17 in Ramadi, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their Humvee. Sgt. Reyes Ramirez, 23, of Willis, Texas, and Spc. Robert L. Jones, 22, of Milwaukie, Ore., were assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, Baumholder, Germany.
1st Lt. Forrest P. Ewens, 25, of Washington State and Sgt. Ian T. Sanchez, 26, of Staten Island, N.Y were killed in Pech River Valley, Afghanistan, on June 16, when their all terrain vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Enemy Attack Kills One Soldier, Two Others' Status Unknown
American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, June 16, 2006 – One coalition force soldier was killed and two others are currently listed as duty status and whereabouts unknown, after their team came under attack at a traffic-control point southwest of Yusufiyah, Iraq, at about 7:55 p.m. local time today.
After hearing small-arms fire and explosions in the vicinity of the check point, a quick-reaction force responded to the scene. Coalition forces have initiated a search operation to locate and determine the status of the soldiers.
The town of Yusufiyah is about 10 miles south of here.
In other news, the Department of Defense recently released the name of a Marine killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Cpl. Michael A. Estrella, 20, of Hemet, Calif., died June 14 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Soldiers, Marine Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006 – Two U.S. soldiers and a Marine died during military operations in Iraq yesterday and today, U.S. military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified five earlier casualties.
A soldier assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died from enemy action in Anbar province yesterday, and a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died today as a result of injuries suffered from a bomb explosion while on a dismounted combat patrol south of Baghdad. Also, a Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died from enemy action while operating in Anbar province today. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department announced the identities of five soldiers who died recently in Iraq or Afghanistan:
Army Spc. Channing G. Singletary, 30, of Sylvester, Ga., died June 23 in Baghdad from a non-combat-related cause. Singletary was assigned to the Army National Guard's 122nd Support Center, Savannah, Ga.
Army Pfc. Devon J. Gibbons, 19, of Port Orchard, Wash., died June 23 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from injuries suffered April 11 when a roadside bomb detonated near his Bradley fighting vehicle during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. Gibbons was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Army Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon, 22, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Army Sgt. Justin D. Norton, 21, of Rainier, Wash., died June 24 near Baghdad from injuries suffered when they encountered enemy forces small-arms fire and a roadside bomb explosion during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic, 38, of Bradford, Pa., died June 24 in Ghecko, Afghanistan, when his patrol unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire during a cordon-and-search mission. Maholic was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon, 22, of Mount Vernon, Ohio. & Sgt. Justin D. Norton, 21, of Rainier, Wash. on June 24 in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained when they encountered enemy forces small arms fire, and an improvised explosive device which detonated during a dismounted patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic, 38, of Bradford, Pa., died on June 24 in Ghecko, Afghanistan, when his patrol unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during a cordon and search mission. Maholic was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2006 – A coalition soldier died of wounds suffered during combat operations yesterday in the Pech district of Afghanistan's Kunar province, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified several recent casualties.
"We deeply regret the loss of our fellow soldier," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Combined Joint Task Force 76 commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and his fellow soldiers. We are grateful for his selfless service." The soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has announced the identities of eight soldiers and a Marine who were recently killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom:
Army Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, of Ukiah, Calif., died in Baghdad June 21 of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his cargo truck. Buzzard was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Sgt. Sirlou C. Cuaresma, 25, of Chicago, died in Baghdad June 21 from a non-combat-related cause. Cuaresma was assigned to the 68th Engineer Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 13th Containment Command (Expeditionary), Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Pfc. Brian J. Bradbury, 22, of Saint Joseph, Mo., died near Naray, Afghanistan, when he encountered enemy forces using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Bradbury was assigned to the 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Army Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig, 28, of Severn, Md., died when his UH-60 helicopter hoist malfunctioned while attempting to evacuate Bradbury. Craig was assigned to the 159th Air Ambulance Medical Company, Wiesbaden, Germany.
Marine Cpl. Riley E. Baker, 22, of Pacific, Mo., died June 22 in Iraq's Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Army Staff Sgt. Mario J. Bievre, 34, of Glendale Heights, Ill., and Army Pfc. Paul A. Beyer, 21, of Jamestown, N.D., died June 23 near Baghdad after a roadside bomb detonated near their Humvee. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Army Cpl. Ryan J. Buckley, 21, of Nokomis, Ill., died in Baghdad on June 23 after a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee. Buckley was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Army Staff Sgt. Virrueta A. Sanchez, 33, of Houston, died in Balad, Iraq, on June 24 after a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee. Sanchez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
Staff Sgt. Virrueta A. Sanchez, 33, of Houston, Texas, died in Balad, Iraq on June 24 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Sanchez was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Caron, Colo.
Cpl Ryan J. Buckley, 21, of Nokomis, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq on June 23 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Buckley was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Staff Sgt. Mario J. Bievre, 34, of Constantinople, Ill.
Pfc. Paul A. Beyer, 21, of Jamestown, N.D.
Cpl. Riley E. Baker, 22, of Pacific, Mo., died June 22 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Pfc. Brian J. Bradbury, 22, of Saint Joseph, Mo., died in the vicinity of Naray, Afghanistan, when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades during combat operations. Bradbury was assigned to the 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig, 28, of Severn, Md., died when his UH-60 helicopter hoist malfunctioned while attempting to evacuate Pfc. Bradbury during combat operations. Craig was assigned to the 159th Air Ambulance Medical Company, Wiesbaden, Germany. The incident is under investigation.
Sgt. Sirlou C. Cuaresma, 25, of Chicago, Ill., died in Baghdad, Iraq on June 21, from a non-combat related cause. Cuaresma was assigned to the 68th Engineer Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 13th Containment Command (Expeditionary), Fort Hood, Texas. This incident is under investigation.
Servicemembers Die in Iraq; DoD Identifies Earlier Casualties
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2006 – A roadside bomb killed two U.S. soldiers southeast of Baghdad today, officials announced the deaths of five other servicemembers in Iraq in recent days, and the Defense Department has identified six servicemembers who died recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The two soldiers killed today were assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad. Officials also announced that two Marines assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, were killed in action in Iraq's Anbar province -- one yesterday and the other on June 21. Also, a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday in what officials called a "non-combat incident."
The servicemembers' names are being withheld until their families are notified.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified six servicemembers who died recently in Iraq and Afghanistan:
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, 30, of Raynham, Mass., and Army Staff Sgt. Patrick L. Lybert, 28, of Ladysmith, Wis., died June 21 in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, when they encountered enemy forces using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Both were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Four Marines -- Cpl. Christopher D. Leon, 20, of Lancaster, Calif.; Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Webb, 20, of Swartz Creek, Mich.; Pfc. Christopher N. White, 23, of Southport, N.C.; and Staff Sgt. Benjamin D. Williams, 30, of Orange, Texas -- were killed in action June 20 in Iraq's Anbar province.
Webb, White, and Williams were assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Leon was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Sgt. Jason J. Buzzard, 31, of Constantinople, Calif., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on June 21 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HEMTT cargo truck during combat operations. Buzzard was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Whyte, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died June 21 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, 30, of Raynham, Mass. & Staff Sgt. Patrick L. Lybert, 28, of Ladysmith, Wis. were killed in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, on June 21, when they encountered enemy forces using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore. & Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of San Marcos, Texas were killed in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained on or about June 16. Both soldiers were previously listed as Duty Status – Whereabouts Unknown. Their unit came under enemy small-arms fire while manning a checkpoint during combat operations, and both soldiers were taken by enemy forces. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. This incident is under investigation.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines. Cpl. Christopher D. Leon, 20, of Lancaster, Calif. Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Webb, 20, of Swartz Creek, Mich. Pfc. Christopher N. White, 23, of Southport, N.C. & Staff Sgt. Benjamin D. Williams, 30, of Orange, Texas Leon died June 20 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Webb, White, and Williams all died June 20 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were all assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Soldiers Killed, Wounded in Afghanistan; DoD Identifies Casualties
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2006 – Four U.S. soldiers were killed and one was wounded yesterday during combat and combat rescue operations in the Kamdesh district of Afghanistan's Nuristan province, and the Defense Department has identified two earlier casualties from the war in Iraq.
Coalition forces attacked enemy extremists in a remote area of the Kamdesh district while conducting security operations to interdict enemy movement through northern Nuristan, officials said. During the mission, four U.S. soldiers were killed. Their names are being withheld until their families are notified.
"We deeply regret the deaths of these brave and selfless soldiers who died fighting for security and freedom," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of Combined Joint task Force 76. "These superb soldiers, who represented the best our nation has to offer, served our Army and nation proudly. They were fighting for a better future for the people of Afghanistan, and we will never forget them."
The soldier who was wounded in the fighting was evacuated to a coalition hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Close-air support and ground forces continued to press the assault on enemy positions into the night, officials said. Enemy casualties have yet to be determined. Afghan National Army and coalition forces have conducted operations in the most northern regions of Nuristan since Operation Mountain Lion began in mid-April. Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said Afghan and coalition forces have made good progress in disrupting enemy movement throughout the region and have introduced much needed humanitarian support and, through security and stability, have paved the way for new construction, economic development and needed infrastructure.
"We will not be deterred in our mission," Freakley said. "With the support of Afghan and coalition forces, the Afghan government offers development, jobs, education (and) a better way of life. These insurgents only bring violence, fear and intimidation. They offer the people of Afghanistan nothing. Our fallen soldiers would want their comrades to continue the good work they left behind."
Also yesterday, the Defense Department identified two soldiers who died June 17 in Ramadi, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their Humvee. Sgt. Reyes Ramirez, 23, of Willis, Texas, and Spc. Robert L. Jones, 22, of Milwaukie, Ore., were assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, Baumholder, Germany.
1st Lt. Forrest P. Ewens, 25, of Washington State and Sgt. Ian T. Sanchez, 26, of Staten Island, N.Y were killed in Pech River Valley, Afghanistan, on June 16, when their all terrain vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Enemy Attack Kills One Soldier, Two Others' Status Unknown
American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, June 16, 2006 – One coalition force soldier was killed and two others are currently listed as duty status and whereabouts unknown, after their team came under attack at a traffic-control point southwest of Yusufiyah, Iraq, at about 7:55 p.m. local time today.
After hearing small-arms fire and explosions in the vicinity of the check point, a quick-reaction force responded to the scene. Coalition forces have initiated a search operation to locate and determine the status of the soldiers.
The town of Yusufiyah is about 10 miles south of here.
In other news, the Department of Defense recently released the name of a Marine killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Cpl. Michael A. Estrella, 20, of Hemet, Calif., died June 14 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Soldiers, Marine Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006 – Two U.S. soldiers and a Marine died during military operations in Iraq yesterday and today, U.S. military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified five earlier casualties.
A soldier assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died from enemy action in Anbar province yesterday, and a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died today as a result of injuries suffered from a bomb explosion while on a dismounted combat patrol south of Baghdad. Also, a Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died from enemy action while operating in Anbar province today. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department announced the identities of five soldiers who died recently in Iraq or Afghanistan:
Army Spc. Channing G. Singletary, 30, of Sylvester, Ga., died June 23 in Baghdad from a non-combat-related cause. Singletary was assigned to the Army National Guard's 122nd Support Center, Savannah, Ga.
Army Pfc. Devon J. Gibbons, 19, of Port Orchard, Wash., died June 23 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from injuries suffered April 11 when a roadside bomb detonated near his Bradley fighting vehicle during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. Gibbons was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Army Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon, 22, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Army Sgt. Justin D. Norton, 21, of Rainier, Wash., died June 24 near Baghdad from injuries suffered when they encountered enemy forces small-arms fire and a roadside bomb explosion during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic, 38, of Bradford, Pa., died June 24 in Ghecko, Afghanistan, when his patrol unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire during a cordon-and-search mission. Maholic was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon, 22, of Mount Vernon, Ohio. & Sgt. Justin D. Norton, 21, of Rainier, Wash. on June 24 in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained when they encountered enemy forces small arms fire, and an improvised explosive device which detonated during a dismounted patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic, 38, of Bradford, Pa., died on June 24 in Ghecko, Afghanistan, when his patrol unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during a cordon and search mission. Maholic was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Spc. Channing G. Singletary, 30, of Sylvester, Ga., died in Baghdad, Iraq on June 23, from a non-combat-related cause. Singletary was assigned to the Army National Guard's 122nd Support Center, Savannah, Ga.The incident is under investigation.
Pfc. Devon J. Gibbons, 19, of Port Orchard, Wash., died on June 23, in the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained on April 11 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. Gibbons was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
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