Casualties - June 18, 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

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

Lance Cpl. Erik R. Heldt, 26, of Hermann, Mo.
Capt. John W. Maloney, 36, of Chicopee, Mass.

Both Marines died June 16 when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).