Casualties - June 13, 2005

Condolences to the Family and Friends of the following Americans who lost their lives while in the pursuit of gaining freedom for others

United States Marines

Lance Cpl. John J. Mattek Jr., 24, of Stevens Point, Wis., died June 13 from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on June 8. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team-2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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

Lance Cpl. Mario A. Castillo, 20, of Brownwood, Texas
Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Kilpela, 22, of Fowerville, Mich.

Both Marines died June 10 as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations in Saqlawiyah, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

United States Army

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 11 in Owesat Village, Iraq, when their armored personnel carrier was hit by an improvised explosive device. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Lucedale, Miss.

Killed were:
Sgt. Larry R. Arnold Sr., 46, of Carriere, Miss.
Spc. Terrance D. Lee Sr., 25, of Moss Point, Miss.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 11 in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their military vehicle.

Killed were:
Spc. Casey Byers, 22, of Schleswig, Iowa. Byers was assigned to the Army National Guard's 224th Engineer Battalion, Ottumwa, Iowa.
Sgt. 1st Class Neil A. Prince, 35, of Baltimore, Md. Prince was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.