Four Marines from Camp Pendleton killed in Afghanistan

Four Marines from Camp Pendleton were killed in a midair collision of two helicopters in Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced.

The four were assigned to Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold. The collision between a Cobra and a Huey helicopter was during a combat mission, officials said.

The Marines were identified as Cpl. Gregory M.W. Fleury, 23, of Anchorage; Capt. Eric A. Jones, 29, of Westchester, N.Y.; Capt. David S. Mitchell, 30, of Loveland, Ohio; and Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen, 29, of North Attleboro, Mass.

Fleury, Jones and Van De Giesen were part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169. Mitchell was part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Both squadrons are part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

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Comments

[Mr. Erich Elster]

Rest in Peace Kyle. I taught Kyle, whom we all called VDG, at Belchertown High School. He was a great young man and he will be missed.

[James]

Rest in peace, Marines.

Semper Fi