Marine from Camp Pendleton killed in Afghanistan [Updated]
A Marine from Camp Pendleton has died from injuries suffered during a combat patrol in Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced today.
Lance Cpl. David R. Baker, 22, of Painesville, Ohio, was on foot patrol in Helmand Province when he was fatally injured by a roadside bomb. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2006. His older brother was already in the Corps.
[Updated at 8:39 p.m.: "They just grow up before your eyes and then, and then they're gone," Baker's father, Mark Baker, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He was a Marine. He had a job to do and he did it. He was just a great kid."
Baker's battalion is set to return to Camp Pendleton by late December.
"He was on his last lap," his father told the newspaper. "As far as my family is concerned, he is a hero."]
-- Tony Perry in San Diego
Photo: Lance Cpl. David R. Baker. Credit: Baker family
I only hope that this brave young man has died for a greater purpose. My thoughts are with is family and his squad mates.
Posted by: alwaysatrojan84 | October 21, 2009 at 05:01 PM
And thus, another takes up the front line position at the edge of freedoms shining as we mourn this loss, Semper Fideles.
Posted by: stewart | October 22, 2009 at 01:23 AM
Rest in peace Marine. Your country is eternally grateful for your sacrifice. There is a special place in heaven for you.
Posted by: citizen | October 22, 2009 at 09:55 AM
God Bless you Marine, and your family, you all have paid the ultimate sacrifice for OUR Freedom. We will Never Forget! Grateful People thank you. You ARE An American Hero.
Posted by: Michele R | October 22, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Thank you for the comments. He will always be remembered. RIP David.
Posted by: A friend | October 22, 2009 at 07:14 PM
I only knew him for a short time. David Baker was a funny outgoing kid when i knew him and my heart goes out to the entire Baker family. Mark hes a hero in my eyes. This is so unreal you never think this would affect anyone you know. Rest in peace.
Posted by: dave | October 23, 2009 at 08:25 PM
THAT IS SO SAD RIP MARINE SEMPER FI
Posted by: sharee hardy | October 25, 2009 at 12:04 AM
My heart goes out to the Baker Family. David is an American Hero. May you feel Gods presence in this very difficult time.
Posted by: Diane | October 26, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Thank you David. I will miss you and remember you the rest of my earthly life, until we meet again.
Posted by: friend | November 01, 2009 at 05:48 PM