In Memoriam

[Grace]

10 December 2010

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Stacy A. Green, 34, of Alexander City, Ala., died Dec. 10 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

[Grace]

12 December 2010

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Cpl. Sean M. Collins, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Cpl. Willie A. McLawhorn Jr., 23, of Conway, N.C.

Spc. Patrick D. Deans, 22 of Orlando, Fla.

Spc. Kenneth E. Necochea Jr., 21, of San Diego, Calif.

Spc. Derek T. Simonetta, 21, of Redwood City, Calif.

Spc. Jorge E. Villacis, 24, of Sunrise, Fla.

They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

[Grace]

14 December 2010

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Jose A. Hernandez, 19, of West Palm Beach, Fla., died Dec. 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

[Grace]

15 December 2010

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died Dec. 15 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

[Grace]

Looking back to post#1138, Ethan Goncalo might have died from a spider bite.

From the ProJo -

Report: Spider bite may have killed Fall River soldier
11:03 AM Thu, Dec 16, 2010

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A spider bite may have killed Pfc. Ethan Goncalo, whose death from non-combat causes is being investigated by the Army.

The Fall River Herald-News reports that Jay Barresi, the manager of his Goncalo's Legion baseball team, says the military told the Goncalo family on Saturday that their son's death might have been from a spider or scorpion bite.

Maj. Lisa Ahaesy, public affairs officer for the Massachusetts National Guard, told the newspaper that she is unaware that this is being viewed as a possible cause of death. She said the results of the Army's investigation will be released at a later date.

[Grace]

Medal of Honor recipient

Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin E. Biddle Passes Away at 87


Earned Nation's Highest Award for Valor during World War II

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Private First Class Melvin E. Biddle, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2010 at his home in Anderson, Indiana at age 87.

Melvin received his Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony from President Truman on October 12, 1945. During the ceremony President Truman whispered to him, "people don't believe me when I tell them I'd rather have one of these than be president."

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy near Soy, Belgium, on 23 and 24 December 1944. Serving as lead scout during an attack to relieve the enemy-encircled town of Hotton, Pfc. Biddle's intrepid courage and superb daring during his 20-hour action enabled his battalion to break the enemy grasp on Hotton with a minimum of casualties.

He was born in Daleville, IN where he attended elementary school and then on to high school in Anderson, IN.

Melvin Biddle is survived by his wife Leona and many other family members. Funeral services are pending. There are 86 recipients alive today.

[Grace]

15 December 2010

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Sean R. Cutsforth, 22, of Radford, Va., died Dec. 15 at Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.