Casualties

Condolences go to the famies of the following American's who lost their lives in the pursuit of gaining freedom for others.

Release #: 388-05
April 21, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Kelly M. Cannan, 21, of Lowville, N.Y.

Lance Cpl. Marty G. Mortenson, 22, of Flagstaff, Ariz.

Both Marines were killed April 20 as the result of the detonation of an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to a 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force
(Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Camp
Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

Release #: 389-05
April 21, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their dismounted patrol. Both Soldiers were assigned 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, and Fort Stewart, Ga.

The Soldiers are:

SPC Jacob M. Pfister, 27, of Buffalo, N.Y.

PFC Kevin S. K. Wessel, 20, of Newport, Ore.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

UPDATE: An additional tribute to SPC Pfister can be viewed here, at A Soldier's Blog (link at right)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.