Casualties - June 23, 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 Army

DoD Release #: 635-05 -- Spc. Nicholas R. Idalski, 23, of Crown Point, Ind., died June 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, where his unit was conducting combat operations and were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Idalski was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Release #: 636-05 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, where their unit was conducting combat operations, and were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:
Spc. Christopher L. Hoskins, 21, of Danielson, Conn.
Spc. Brian A. Vaughn, 23, of Pell City, Ala.

DoD Release #: 637-05 -- Sgt. James D. Stewart, 29, of Chattanooga, Tenn., died June 21 in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his military cargo truck. Stewart was assigned to the 57th Transportation Company, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

United States Air Force

DoD Release #: 638-05 -- Maj Duane W. Dively, 43, of Rancho California, Calif., died June 22 in Southwest Asia, in the crash of a U-2 aircraft. Dively had completed flying a mission and was returning to his base when the crash occurred. He was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.