Iraq War News

U.S. forces capture members of Saddam's personal security detail, general says


By MATT KELLEY
The Associated Press
7/25/03 2:08 PM


WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. troops captured a group of men believed to include some of Saddam Hussein's bodyguards in a raid near the former leader's hometown, a senior Army general said Friday.

Five to 10 of the 13 people captured in the Thursday night raid near Tikrit are believed to be members of Saddam's personal security detail, Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno said. He said it was too early to tell if the guards had been with the deposed Iraqi leader after the fall of Baghdad or could help lead Americans to him.

A tip from an Iraqi led the U.S. troops to the house, Odierno said. American forces also have questioned one of Saddam's two wives, he said.

"We continue to tighten the noose," said Odierno, commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division. He spoke to reporters at the Pentagon via a two-way video hookup from his Tikrit headquarters.

"I believe because of it they are moving around very quickly, they are very unsettled, and they are not living a very good life right now because we are constantly on their trail," Odierno said, speaking of Saddam and other former Iraqi officials.

Tikrit is Saddam's hometown, a source of continuing support for his deposed regime.

Another tip from an Iraqi led U.S. troops to a large cache of weapons Thursday including 45,000 sticks of dynamite, 11 assembled bombs and 38 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile launchers, Odierno said. American forces have discovered more than 600 such shoulder-fired missiles in Iraq during the past week, a senior defense official at the Pentagon said Friday.

Attacks on U.S. forces in and around Tikrit have dropped by half in the past month, Odierno said. The Americans have rounded up more than 1,000 Saddam supporters and seized huge amounts of explosives, ammunition and weapons, he said.

Although fewer attacks are occurring, some are becoming more sophisticated, including the use of improvised bombs, Odierno said.

The general said his 27,000 soldiers are preparing for the possibility of attacks with car bombs or suicide bombers. Anti-American forces are increasingly shifting their attacks to Iraqis who are working with U.S. troops, Odierno said.

"They are going after softer targets, because they know they're ineffective against military targets," he said. "We see this as a desperation move."

Attacking Iraqis is backfiring and prompting more citizens to offer helpful information, Odierno said.

The deaths Tuesday of Saddam's sons, Odai and Qusai, haven't changed the number or types of attacks on Odierno's forces, he said. But the killings have prompted more tips from Iraqis such as the ones that led to Saddam's bodyguards and the weapons cache, Odierno said.

"We've shown them no one of the old regime is going to survive," Odierno said.

Troops of the 4th Infantry Division have been told they probably will stay in Iraq for a year, Odierno said.

NOLA.com: War on Iraq

By Steve Liewer, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Friday, July 25, 2003



WÜRZBURG, Germany — Sgt. Javier Ramos-Garcia stepped off a bus this week and greeted his wife, Wanda, after nine months of peacekeeping duty in Kosovo — only to learn hours later he stands a good chance of heading to Iraq for an even longer stretch next year.

“I just got back yesterday,� Ramos-Garcia, 27, of the 1st Infantry Division’s Würzburg-based headquarters company, said Thursday. “But if we have to go, we just go ahead and go. It could be worse. They could have told me to pack up my stuff and go next month.�

Like tens of thousands of other soldiers, Ramos-Garcia got a better fix on his future Wednesday when the Pentagon at long last announced the deployment schedule for the next two years for the Army’s 10 busy divisions. For the first time since the Vietnam War, soldiers will serve one-year combat tours instead of the six months typical of peacekeeping tours.

The 3rd Infantry Division and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which led the U.S. assault on Iraq last spring, finally learned they will come home in September, and the Germany-based 1st Armored Division will return between February and April, said Gen. John Keane, acting Army chief of staff. And the 1st ID, withdrawn from the war planning when Turkey’s parliament refused to let it stage there, finally will deploy to Iraq.

This week’s announcement means achingly long deployments for soldiers and their spouses throughout the Army, the service providing 133,000 of the 156,000 troops for the U.S. contingent. Soldiers and spouses, though, said they were glad to at least get a schedule around which they can plan their lives.

“At least you know it’s one year. It’s not indefinite. And the conditions are getting better,� said Air Force Maj. Kirk Faryniasz, a theater airlift liaison officer working with the 1st ID in Würzburg. “It could be worse. It could have been two to three years. Soldiers always step up to the plate.�

Some young soldiers, readying for their first deployment, find the prospect of heading to combat exciting.

“It would definitely be an adventure, going to Iraq,� said Pfc. Tristan Keeler, 20, of the 1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery Regiment in Bamberg. “I’ll admit, though, it’s a little scary. You read in the paper every day about GIs getting killed.�

Bill Coppernoll, a 1st Infantry Division spokesman, could not confirm whether the deployment will include all of the division’s four brigades. Three of them are based in Germany, including the 2nd Brigade in Schweinfurt, the 3rd Brigade in Vilseck and the 4th Brigade in Katterbach, with the 1st Brigade at Fort Riley, Kan. Other division elements are in Würzburg, Kitzingen and Schweinfurt.

Like most of the Army, the Big Red One has been busy of late. The 2nd Brigade spent six months last year on peacekeeping duty in Kosovo, and the 3rd Brigade is just returning from Kosovo this week. The division packed up its gear in January and February, expecting to deploy to Turkey. About 1,000 troops got there but were sent home.

Still, the division is almost the only one left in the Army that hadn’t been sent to Iraq. So its troops widely expected they would be called up.

Nor did the news surprise troops already deployed in Baghdad. The Pentagon had been warning soldiers to expect their deployments to last a full year.

“I was expecting a one-year deployment,� said Lt. Col. Curtis Anderson, commander of the 1st Armored Division’s 501st Support Battalion from Friedberg, Germany, who has commanded the unit since June 28. “Our orders read 365 days.�

He said that he does not believe one-year deployments will affect either Army retention or recruiting.

To the contrary, “it’s probably going to cause people to stay in,� Anderson said. “Folks feel good about being here [in Iraq], both soldiers and Iraqi people.�

Sgt. David Brown, a 31-year-old Louisville, Ky., native who is with a maintenance company that is part of the 501st Forward Support Battalion, said he’ll be pleased if his unit gets out early next spring as promised.

Reporters Lisa Burgess and Kent Harris in Baghdad, Julianna Gitler in Kuwait, and Sandra Jontz in Washington contributed to this report.
European and Pacific Stars & Stripes

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Two unidentified Syrians follow the news of the death of Saddam Hussein's dead sons Odai and Qusai, in Damascus, Friday July 25, 2003.(AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi). Add News Photos to My Yahoo! Related Story: · U.S. Displays Bodies That Look Like Saddam's Sons Reuters - Fri Jul 25, 8:38 AM ET Related Resources: Special Coverage: Iraq

NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense

No. 543-03
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul 25, 2003
(703)697-5131(media)
(703)428-0711(public/industry)

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today that on July 23 east of Baghdad, Iraq,
Capt. Joshua T. Byers, 29, of Nevada was killed in action when his convoy hit an
explosive device. Byers was assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 2nd
Battalion, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, in Fort Carson, Co.

On July 24, three soldiers were killed north of Al Hawd, Iraq, when their military
convoy came under enemy fire. Killed were:

Cpl. Evan Asa Ashcraft, 24, West Hills, Calif. Ashcraft was assigned to the Company
A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, in Fort Campbell, Ky.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, Bay Shore, N.Y. Heighter was assigned to the 2/320th
Field Artillery, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Staff Sgt. Hector R. Perez, 40, of Corpus Christi, Texas. Perez was assigned to
Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, in Fort Campbell,
Ky.

[Web Version: http://www.dod.mil/releases/2003/nr20030725-0241.html]

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U.S. 'to show Saddam sons' bodies' in CNN - War in Iraq



'Iraq Watch' Finds Strength in Numbers: "It started as a one-man protest on the House floor by a hawkish Democrat disgruntled with his president's strategy in Iraq. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Saddam's Home Town Still Loyal to Him: "Pictures of Saddam Hussein still hang in Tarek Saber's restaurant in Tikrit, the former president's home town. Locals munch on kebabs and hummus underneath the portraits, unafraid to talk of their loyalty to him. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Powell: Turkey Weighs Troops in Iraq: "A U.S. request for the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq is receiving the "most active consideration," Secretary of State Colin Powell says. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

US troops captured five to ten people believed to be members of Saddam Hussein's personal security detail in a raid on a house, it was revealed today.

Major General Ray Odierno, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said yesterday's raid took place near Tikrit, Saddam's home town and a source of continuing support for his deposed regime, following a tip from an informant.

Asked whether he believed US forces were closing in on Saddam, Odierno said it was unclear whether the newly captured members of his security detail had been protecting him recently.

Odierno said US troops also have spoken with a wife of Saddam. He did not identify her.

"We continue to tighten the noose," he said.
Irish Examiner> Breaking News> Sport

Britons see "culture of deceit" at heart of British government: "More than two-thirds of British voters believe a culture of deceit exists at the heart of the Britain's government, according to a poll conducted following the presumed suicide of arms expert David Kelly. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



In Counterattack, Cheney Takes on Iraq Critics: "Vice President Dick Cheney said onThursday it would have been "irresponsible in the extreme" toignore the threat posed by Iraq, launching a counteroffensiveagainst Democratic critics of the war he helped orchestrate. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



WMD Missing in Iraq, Bush Speeches: "Weapons of mass destructionhave proven hard to find in Iraq and now they've disappearedfrom President Bush's speeches. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

FORT CARSON SOLDIERS WILL NOT BE HOME IN OCTOBER
Fort Carson Says Senator's Statement Of Troops Returning By The Fall Inocorrect.
by News 13 team

7/24/2003


SOLDIERS FROM FORT CARSON'S THIRD ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT DEPLOYED TO IRAQ WILL NOT RETURN TO COLORADO UNTIL SPRING.

WEDNESDAY SENATOR BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL ANNOUNCED THE ARMY HAD INFORMED HIM MORE THAN 5,000 SOLDIERS WITH THE 3RD A.C.R. WOULD RETURN IN OCTOBER BUT FORT CARSON OFFICIALS SAY THE INFORMATION GIVEN WAS INCORRECT.

THE 3RD A.C.R. WILL BE REPLACED BY MEMBERS OF THE 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION OUT OF FORT LEWIS, WASHINGTON.

THE SOLDIERS ARE SCHEDULED TO COME HOME NEXT SPRING.


Fort Carson Says Senator's Statement Of Troops Returning By The Fall Inocorrect.
by News 13 team

7/24/2003


SOLDIERS FROM FORT CARSON'S THIRD ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT DEPLOYED TO IRAQ WILL NOT RETURN TO COLORADO UNTIL SPRING.

WEDNESDAY SENATOR BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL ANNOUNCED THE ARMY HAD INFORMED HIM MORE THAN 5,000 SOLDIERS WITH THE 3RD A.C.R. WOULD RETURN IN OCTOBER BUT FORT CARSON OFFICIALS SAY THE INFORMATION GIVEN WAS INCORRECT.

THE 3RD A.C.R. WILL BE REPLACED BY MEMBERS OF THE 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION OUT OF FORT LEWIS, WASHINGTON.

THE SOLDIERS ARE SCHEDULED TO COME HOME NEXT SPRING.

KRDO News 13 - News & Top Stories - Colorado Springs, Pueblo

Six days have passed since her daughter was laid to rest with military honors, but closure evades Marianita Valles and her family in Eagle Pass.
An ongoing military investigation into the death of Army Sgt. Melissa Valles, 26, has prompted questions for the family, which says it has received updates but no real answers from Army officials.

"My head has been spinning and spinning," her mother said by phone Thursday. "I don't know what to think."

Valles, who was with the headquarters detachment of the 64th Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat team, died from a noncombat gunshot wound to her abdomen July 9 while stationed in Balad, Iraq.

Her unit is based in Fort Carson, Colo.

How she sustained the wound is unknown, officials say. Officially, the Army is not ruling out anything — including suicide — until the investigation is done.

But the soldier's mother said Maj. Gen. Alfred A. Valenzuela, commander of U.S. Army South, assured her when he attended services for her daughter in Eagle Pass that the shooting was accidental.

"It was not the (suicide) rumors that we'd heard," Marianita Valles said. "He made that clear to me."

Melissa Valles' brother Jesus also met with Valenzuela, but said he was not satisfied with the answers he received.

"It cost my sister's life. I want to know what happened," he said. "For my mom it's very hard; she cries every day in the morning."

Marianita Valles said she believes her daughter was killed in an accident, but the uncertainty will not escape her until the official Army report is in her hands.

"I need to know exactly what happened, whether it was an accident or if she came under attack," she said. "I will feel relieved when I have the report."

The completion of the report on Valles' death could be weeks away, Army spokeswoman Martha Rudd said.

The Army has suffered 51 non-hostile deaths in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and many remain under investigation, she said. Another soldier from Valles' unit was killed by a noncombat wound two days before her.

Among those, "we have some cases that appear to have been caused by self-inflicted actions," Rudd said, adding that the Army does not like to use the "S-word" — referring to suicide.

No suicides have been confirmed, she said.

When details are not immediately known, people often think something is amiss, but the wait is to ensure a thorough investigation, Rudd said.

She added that investigations like these are not uncommon.

Valles became the second servicewoman and first Hispanic female killed in Iraq. She was buried Saturday in Eagle Pass.
MySanAntonio : Metro & State

AMBUSH ALLEY, Iraq July 25 —
A flash shattered the darkness and a bomb blew up in front of Sgt. First Class Mike Mizell's tank. Within seconds, a rocket-propelled grenade whistled overhead.

"Driver, stop! Gunner, reverse to the left!" the 35-year-old tank commander from Orangeburg, S.C., shouted into his radio.For commanders like Mizell, the attack along the dangerous Highway 1, dubbed "Ambush Alley," wasn't unexpected. The goal on this patrol, like many others, was to bait the enemy into attacking armored infantry units and draw them away from more vulnerable targets.

"It's as dangerous as hell," 68th Armored's commander Lt. Col. Aubrey Garner, 39, said. "But soldiers are willing to put themselves in danger to kill the enemy."

The gunners sprayed machine gun tracer fire a line of palm and eucalyptus trees where the attacker took cover to fire the RPG. Two Apache helicopter gunships clattered in to chase down anyone running away. The other pair of tanks in Mizell's patrol fired their machine guns toward the spot, guided by the initial tracer rounds. It was impossible to tell if any Iraqi fighters were killed or wounded.

Daily guerrilla ambushes have pushed the number of U.S. soldiers killed in action in Iraq to near 160, and troops said they expected Saddam Hussein loyalists to step up attacks after the Tuesday killing of his sons Odai and Qusai. On top of that, an Arab satellite broadcaster aired an audiotape Wednesday thought to have been the voice of Saddam calling his former soldiers to rise up against the Americans.

The brothers' death didn't stop attacks on "Ambush Alley." The road links the capital, Baghdad, with the volatile area to the north and west known as the "Sunni Triangle" where support for Saddam runs strong.

The high number of attacks on the road forced the Army to move the 4th Infantry's Third Brigade into the Balad area about 30 miles north of Baghdad in June.

The moon, in its last quarter, doesn't rise until well after midnight, making Ambush Alley even darker and more dangerous.

"Every night, it's knock on steel," said Staff Sgt. David Gonzalez, 33, master gunner for the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment. Despite a month of regular enemy contact and a few close calls, no 3rd Brigade soldier has been killed by hostile fire.

The attacks came earlier than usual this Wednesday night, about 11:20 p.m., just minutes after the tanks rolled onto the highway. After taking hits but no damage from homemade explosives and RPG fire, they circled back, hoping to draw the enemy out to attack them again.

Mizell's tank was hit again less than an hour later.

"Contact! Contact!" Mizell called into his radio. "Engaging with direct fire! Yee ha!"

The Apaches overhead spotted two or three people running away, about two miles from the site of the initial attack. The attackers had rigged artillery shells to fire at the lead tank from the sides of the road.

Mizell's tank drove off the road to chase the attackers into the trees, but lost their trail. They were picked up again by the Apache pilots.

The tanks sped off to the depot, but a room-to-room search yielded nothing. Before returning to base, the patrol blew up a stash of enemy artillery rounds spotted through night vision scopes.

Fifteen soldiers raided the depot again later Thursday looking for possible escape routes and found an anti-aircraft gun, sights for mortar launchers, three AK-47s and more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition buried in the area, said Lt. Phil Blanchard, from Pittsfield, Mass., who led the raid. The army also detained 10 men for questioning, he said.

Despite the dangers, many 68th Armored soldiers said more frequent attacks wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, because it would force the enemy out of their hiding places.

"I always tell my wife, 'The more we get attacked the closer we are to getting home,'" Gonzalez said.


ABCNEWS.com : U.S. Troops Fight Invisible Enemy in Iraq

Military complaints investigated

Associated Press

July 25, 2003


NORWICH, Conn. -- The families of members of a Norwich National Guard units have been told that an investigation has

found nothing to support allegation about poor living and working conditions.

"I have nothing but good news to tell you," Maj. Gen. William Cugno, the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, Thursday told family members of the 248th Engineering Company.

"The morale of the company is outstanding. They're dying to come home like every other American soldier there, but they know they have a job to do," Cugno said.

Cugno returned from a 10-day trip to Kuwait last week and briefed the families on the findings of the investigation into complaints lodged by some members last month.

"Every allegation was investigated with no findings, or substantiations or evidence of any of the allegations being factual," Cugno said.

The complaints were filed by Crystal Moss, a staff sergeant in the Connecticut National Guard and wife of Sgt. David Moss, a member of the 248th Engineering Company now deployed in Iraq.

Moss and others filed the complaints last month in letters to U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn, Gov. John G. Rowland, U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn., and Cugno.

Include among the complaints was the allegation that some members of the unit lacked the appropriate qualifications to be in combat, members are forced to wear heavy equipment and clothing in desert heat and had yet to have equipment arrive at their duty station.

"All allegations were investigated and found to be absolutely untrue, starting with the competence of the commander - they think he's excellent, and the unit's performance has been outstanding," Cugno said.


Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press

The Advocate - Military complaints investigated

Nelson Presses Military Brass on length of Troop Deployments
Posted: 07/25/2003 8:03:59 AM
SWNEBR.NET - Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson today pressed military leaders on the level of troop strength and the length of troop deployments in Iraq during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Richard Myers and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace appeared before the committee on their nominations for second, two-year terms.

Senator Nelson questioned the generals about U.S. troop strength and the length of deployments in Iraq. Nelson is concerned about the impact of prolonged deployment on military morale and military families. Nelson has introduced legislation to improve benefits for soldiers, sailors, air personnel and marines and their families to cope with long-term deployments.
Southwest Nebraska News - from the Republican Valley Media Group, McCook, NE

U.S., U.K. Say at Least 283 Fighters Have Died in Iraq Conflict
July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Since the war with Iraq started March 19, at least 283 coalition fighters have died. Military officials have released the names of 233 U.S. dead and 43 U.K. dead.

U.S. Central Command said three soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were killed in an ambush on the road to Qayarrah West near Mosul at about 2:30 a.m. July 24 when their convoy was hit by rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Names were withheld pending notification of relatives.

Hostile fire has taken 158 U.S. lives since the fighting began, according to the Pentagon. The U.S. had 148 combat deaths in Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991, according to Defense Department data.

At least 111 coalition fighters have died since President Bush declared an end to major combat on May 1. Hostile action has claimed 54 coalition lives since May 1, 48 from the U.S.

Names are listed below.

U.S. Identifies Fatality

Specialist Brett T. Christian, 27, of North Royalton, Ohio, assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 502 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was killed July 23 in Mosual, Iraq, when assailants attacked his convoy with rocket-propelled grenades.

U.S. Deaths Reported Earlier

The U.S. previously identified 233 as killed.

Captain James F. Adamouski, 29, Springfield, Virginia; 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Killed April 2.

Navy Lieutenant Thomas Mullen Adams, 27, of La Mesa, California; exchange officer with the Royal Navy's 849 Squadron. Killed March 22.

Specialist Jamaal R. Addison, 22, of Roswell, Georgia. U.S. Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company. Died March 23.

Captain Tristan N. Aitken, 31, State College, Pennsylvania; 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 4.

Lance Corporal Brian E. Anderson, 26, Durham, North Carolina; 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed April 2.

Sergeant Edward J. Anguiano, 24, of Brownsville, Texas; 3rd Combat Support Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Remains recovered April 24.

Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Todd Arnold, 30, Spring, Texas; 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed April 22.

Major Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Maine; Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Arizona. Killed March 20.

Lance Corporal Andrew Julian Aviles, 18, of Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Tampa, Florida. Killed April 7.

Private First Class Chad E. Bales, 20, Coahoma, Texas; 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed April 3.

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic R. Baragona, 42, of Niles, Ohio; 19th Maintenance Battalion, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Killed May 19.

Captain Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of Bloomington, Illinois; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the 268th Brigade, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Pendleton. California. Killed March 20.

Private First Class Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, Lake Charles, Louisiana; 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 4.

Specialist Joel L. Bertoldie, 20, of Independence, Missouri; Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 4-64 Armor Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed July 18.

Corporal Mark A. Bibby, 25, of Watha, North Carolina; Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 422 Civil Affairs Battalion, Greensboro, North Carolina. Killed July 21.

Sergeant Michael E. Bitz, 31, of Ventura, California; 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Lance Corporal Thomas A. Blair, 24, of Wagoner, Oklahoma, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Killed March 24.

Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey E. Bohr Jr., 39, Ossian, Iowa; 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed April 10.

Sergeant First Class Craig A. Boling, 38, of Elkhart, Indiana; Company C, 1-152nd Infantry, Tell City, Indiana. Died on July 8.

Petty Officer Third Class Doyle W. Bollinger Jr., 21, of Poteau, Oklahoma; Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, Gulfport, Mississippi. Killed June 6.

Staff Sergeant Stevon A. Booker, 34, of Apollo, Pennsylvania; A Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia, was killed April 5 during a raid in Baghdad.

Specialist Mathew G. Boule, 22, Dracut, Massachusetts; 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Killed April 2.

Corporal Travis J. Bradachnall, 21, of Multnomah County, Oregon; Combat Service Support Group 11, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed July 2.

Staff Sergeant Kenneth R. Bradley, 39, of Utica, Mississippi; 588th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed May 28.

Sergeant Thomas F. Broomhead, 34, of Canon City, Colorado; 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed May 27.

Corporal Henry L. Brown, 22, Natchez, Mississippi; Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died April 8.

Private First Class John E. Brown, 21, Troy, Alabama; 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed April 14.

Specialist Larry K. Brown, 22, Jackson, Mississippi, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. Killed April 5.

Lance Corporal Cedric E. Bruns, 22, Vancouver, Washington; 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, U.S. Marines, Eugene, Oregon. Killed May 9.

Specialist Roy Russell Buckley, 24, Portage, Indiana; 685th Transportation Company, Hobart, Indiana. Killed April 22.

Lance Corporal Brian Rory Buesing, 20, Cedar Key, Florida; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Sergeant George Edward Buggs, 31, Barnwell, South Carolina, assigned to the 3rd Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed March 23.

Private First Class Tamario D. Burkett, 21, Erie, New York; assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Sergeant Travis L. Burkhardt, 26, of Edina, Missouri; 170th Military Police Company, Fort Lewis, Washington. Killed June 6.

Sergeant Jacob L. Butler, 24, Wellsville, Kansas; assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. Killed April 1.

Specialist Nathaniel A. Caldwell, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska; 404th Air Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed May 21.

Corporal Richard P. Carl, 26, King Hill, Idaho; 57th Air Medical Company, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed May 9.

Captain Paul J. Cassidy, 36, of Laingsburg, Michigan; 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Wisconsin. Died July 13.

Staff Sergeant James W. Cawley, 41, Roy, Utah; F Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Salt Lake City. Killed March 29.

Corporal Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse, 22, Waterford, Connecticut; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Chief Warrant Officer Robert William Channell Jr., 36, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed April 22.

Second Lieutenant Therrel S. Childers, 30, Harrison, Mississippi, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division. Killed March 21.

Specialist Andrew F. Chris, 25, of California; Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed June 25.

Lance Corporal Donald J. Cline Jr., 21, Washoe, Nevada, assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Sergeant Christoper D. Coffin, 51, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; 352nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Riverdale, Maryland. Killed July 1.

Sergeant Timothy Conneway, 22, of Enterprise, Louisiana; 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed June 26.

Captain Aaron J. Contreras, 31, Sherwood, Oregon; Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-169, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed March 30.

Private First Class Ryan R. Cox, 19, of Derby, Kansas; First Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Died June 15.

Sergeant Michael T. Crockett, 27, of Soperton, Georgia; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed July 14.

Specialist Daniel Francis J. Cunningham, 33, Lewiston, Maine; 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 4.

Specialist Michael Edward Curtin, 23, South Plains, New Jersey; 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed March 29.

Captain Eric B. Das, 30, Amarillo, Texas; 333rd Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Killed April 7.

Staff Sergeant Wilbert Davis, 40, of Alaska; 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Killed April 3.

Private Jason L. Deibler, 20, Coeburn, Virginia; 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Smith Barracks, Baumholder, Germany. Killed May 4.

Private First Class Michael R. Deuel, 21, of Nemo, South Dakota; assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed June 18.

Sergeant Michael E. Dooley, 23, of Pulaski, Virginia; 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed June 8.

Master Sergeant Robert J. Dowdy, 38, of Cleveland, Ohio; Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Co., 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed March 23.

Chief Warrant Officer Brian K. Dusen, 39, Columbus, Ohio; 57th Air Medical Company, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed May 9.

Private Ruben Estrella-Soto, 18, of El Paso, Texas; Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Co., 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas. Ambushed March 23.

Private David Evans Jr., 18, of Buffalo, New York; 977th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kansas. Killed May 25.

Corporal Mark A. Evnin, 21, Burlington, Vermont; 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed April 3.

Master Sergeant George A. Fernandez, 36, of El Paso, Texas; U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed April 2.

Specialist Jon P. Fettig, 30, of Dickinson, North Dakota; 957th Engineer Company (V Corps), Bismarck, North Dakota. Killed July 22.

Specialist Thomas A. Foley III, 23, Dresden, Tennessee; 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed April 14.

Captain Travis A. Ford, 30, Ogallala, Nebraska, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California, was killed April 4.

Private Robert L. Frantz, 19, of San Antonio, Texas, assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Ray Barracks, Germany, was killed in a grenade attack while he was on guard duty June 17 in Baghdad.

Lance Corporal David K. Fribley, 26, Lee, Florida; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Sergeant First Class Dan H. Gabrielson, 39, of Spooner, Wisconsin; 652nd Engineer Company, Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Killed July 9.

Corporal Jose A. Garibay, 21, Orange, California; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Sergeant Justin W. Garvey, 23, of Townsend, Massachusetts; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed July 20.

1st Sergeant Joe J. Garza, 43, Robstown, Texas; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed April 28.

Lance Corporal Cory Ryan Geurin, 18, of Santee, California; 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed July 15.

Pfc. Jesse A. Givens, 34, of Springfield, Missouri, assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed on May 1.

Private First Class Juan Guadalupe Garza Jr., 20, of Temperance, Michigan; 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed April 8.

Private Jonathan L. Gifford, 20, Macon, Illinois; assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Specialist Michael T. Gleason, 25, of Warren, Pennsylvania; 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed May 30.

Corporal Armando Ariel Gonzalez, 25, Hialeah, Florida; Marine Wing Support Squadron-273, Marine Wing Support Group-27, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina. Killed April 14.

Corporal Jesus A. Gonzalez, 22, Indio, California, assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed April 12.

Corporal Jorge A. Gonzalez, 20, Los Angeles; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Corporal Bernard G. Gooden, 22, Mount Vernon, New York; 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed April 4.

Specialist Richard A. Goward, 32, Midland, Michigan; 1460th Transportation Company, Army National Guard, Midland, Michigan. Killed April 14.

Specialist Kyle A. Griffin, 20, of Emerson, New Jersey; 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed May 30.

Staff Sergeant Patrick Lee Griffin Jr., 31, Elgin, South Carolina; 728th Air Control Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Killed May 13.

Chief Warrant Officer Hans N. Gukeisen, 31, Lead, South Dakota; 57th Air Medical Company, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed May 9.

Private First Class Christian D. Gurtner, 19, Ohio City, Ohio; 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed April 2.

Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez, 22, Los Angeles, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Killed March 21.

Private Jesse M. Halling, 19, of Indianapolis, Indiana; 401st Military Police Company, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed June 7.

Chief Warrant Officer Erik A. Halvorsen, 40, Bennington, Vermont; 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Killed April 2.

Sergeant Atanacio Haromarin, 27, of Baldwin Park, California; Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed June 3.

Staff Sergeant Terry W. Hemingway, 39, Willingboro, New Jersey; assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed April 10.

Private First Class Edward J. Herrgott, 20, of Shakopee, Minnesota; 1-36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, Germany. Died July 3.

Sergeant Nicolas M. Hodson, 22, of Smithville, Missouri; 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Staff Sergeant Lincoln D. Hollinsaid, 27, of Malden, Illinois, assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 7.

Specialist Corey A. Hubbell, 20, or Urbana, Illinois; Company B, 46th Engineer Battalion, Fort Rucker, Alabama. Died June 26.

Private Nolen R. Hutchings, 19, Boiling Springs, South Carolina, assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr., 19, of Forestport, New York, assigned to B Company, 17th Engineer Battalion, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed April 6.

Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar, 32, Granbury, Texas; 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Killed April 2.

Reserve Corporal Evan James, 20, La Harpe, Illinois, Engineering Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps, based in Peoria, Illinois. Died March 24.

Specialist William A. Jeffries, 39; assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Illinois National Guard. Died March 26.

Sergeant Troy David Jenkins, 25, Ridgecrest, California; assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died April 24.

Private First Class Howard Johnson II, 21, of Mobile, Alabama assigned to U.S. Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company. Killed March 23.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Michael Vann Johnson Jr., 25, of Little Rock, Arkansas; Naval Medical Center, Third Marine Division Detachment, San Diego. Killed March 25.

Private Devon D. Jones, 19, San Diego; 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 4.

Staff Sergeant Phillip A. Jordan, 42, Brazoria, Texas; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Second Lieutenant Jeffrey J. Kaylor, 24, of Clifton, Virginia, assigned to C Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 7.

Sergeant Jason D. Jordan, 24, of Elba, Alabama; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed July 20.

Corporal Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the 268th Brigade, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Pendleton. California. Killed March 20.

Specialist James M. Kiehl, 22, of Des Moines, Iowa; Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Co., 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed March 23.

Specialist Chad L. Keith, 21, of Batesville, Indiana; 2-325th Infantry, Company D, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed July 7.

Lance Corporal Brian Kleiboeker, 19, Irvington, Illinois; 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed May 13.

Specialist John K. Klinesmith Jr., 25, of Stockbridge, Georgia; Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. Died June 12.

Captain Edward J. Korn, 31, of Savannah, Georgia; 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 3.

Sergeant Bradley S. Korthaus, 28, of Scott, Iowa; Engineering Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, based in Peoria, Illinois. Died March 24.

Lance Corporal Jakub Henryk Kowalik, 21, Schaumberg, Illinois; 1st Force Service Support Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed May 12.

Sergeant Michael V. Lalush, 23, Troutville, Virginia; Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Air Craft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed March 30.

Lance Corporal Alan Dinh Lam, 19, Snow Camp, North Carolina; 8th Communication Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed April 22.

Sergeant Jonathan W. Lambert, 28, of Newsite, Mississippi; Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died June 1.

Captain Andrew David Lamont, 31, of Eureka, California; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed May 19.

Staff Sergeant William T. Latham, 29, of Kingman, Arizona; assigned to Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Died June 18.

Specialist Cedric L. Lennon, 32, of West Blocton, Alabama; Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk, Louisiana. Died June 24.

Staff Sergeant Nino D. Livaudais, 23 of Utah; 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed April 3.

Specialist Ryan P. Long, 21, of Seaford, Delaware; 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Killed April 3.

Specialist Zachariah W. Long, 20, of Milton, Pennsylvania; 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed May 30.

Lance Corporal Gregory E. MacDonald, 29, of the District of Columbia; Bravo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Frederick, Maryland. Killed June 25.

Lance Corporal Joseph B. Maglione, 22, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania; assigned to Bridge Company B, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, U.S. Marines, Folsom, Pennsylvania. Killed April 1.

Corporal Douglas Jose Marencoreyes, 28, of Chino, California; Light Armored Vehicle-Air Defense Battery, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed May 18.

Sergeant First Class John W. Marshall, 50, Los Angeles; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 8.

Private First Class Francisco A. MartinezFlores, 21, Los Angeles, California. 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed March 25.

Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, 35, of El Paso, Texas; Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Co., 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed March 23.

Staff Sergeant Donald C. May Jr., 31, Richmond, Virginia; 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed March 25.

Private First Class Joseph P. Mayek, 20, Rock Springs, Wyoming; C Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Smith Barracks, Germany. Killed April 14.

Sergeant Brian McGinnis, 31, St. Georges, Delaware; Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Air Craft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed March 30.

Private Robert L. McKinley, 23, of Kokomo, Indiana; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-101st Air Assault, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on July 8.

First Lieutenant Brian M. McPhillips, 25, Pembroke, Massachusetts; 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed April 4.

Corporal Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, 21, of Fort Worth, Texas, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed April 7.

Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Menusa, 33, San Jose, California; 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed March 27.

Specialist Gil Mercado, 25, of Paterson, New Jersey; 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed April 13.

Private First Class Jason M. Meyer, 23, Swartz Creek, Michigan; assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 8.

Corporal Jason David Mileo, 20, of Centreville, Maryland; 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed April 14.

Private First Class Anthony S. Miller, 19, of San Antonio, assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 7.

Specialist George Mitchell, 35, Rawlings, Maryland, Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Killed April 7.

Sergeant Keman L. Mitchell, 24, of Hilliard, Florida; Company C, 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed May 26.

Lance Corporal Jason William Moore, 21, of San Marcos, California; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. Killed May 19.

Petty Officer 3rd Class David J. Moreno, 26, of Gering, Nebraska; Naval Medical Center San Diego, Fourth Marine Division Detachment. Died July 17.

Specialist Paul T. Nakamura, 21, of Santa Fe Springs, California; assigned to the 437th Medical Company, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Killed June 19.

Private Kenneth A. Nalley, 19, of Hamburg, Iowa; 501st Military Police Company, Wiesbaden, Germany. Killed May 26.

Major Kevin G. Nave, 36, Union Lake, Michigan; 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died March 26.

Private First Class Gavin L. Neighbor, 20, of Somerset, Ohio; Company C, 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Killed June 10.

Specialist Joshua M. Neusche, 20, of Montreal, Missouri; 203rd Engineer Battalion, Joplin, Missouri. Died July 12.

Lance Corporal Patrick R. Nixon, 21, Gallatin, Tennessee, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Specialist David T. Nutt, 22, Blackshear, Georgia; 494th Transportation Company, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed May 14.

Specialist Donald S. Oaks Jr., 20, Erie, Pennsylvania; C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Killed April 3.

Private First Class Branden F. Oberleitner, 20, of Worthington, Ohio; Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Killed June 5.

Lance Corporal Patrick T. O'Day, 20, Sonoma, California; 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Killed March 25.

Specialist Richard P. Orengo, 32, of Puerto Rico; 755th Military Police Company, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Died June 26.

Marine Lance Corporal Eric J. Orlowski, 26, of Buffalo, New York; 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

First Lieutenant Osbaldo Orozco, 26, Delano, California; assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed April 25.

Private First Class Kevin C. Ott, 27, of Columbus, Ohio; Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Body recovered June 28.

Lance Corporal David Edward Owens Jr., 20, Winchester, Virginia; 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died April 12.

Sergeant Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, 26, Yuma, Arizona; assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona. Remains identified April 10.

Private Shawn D. Pahnke, 25, of Shelbyville, Indiana; Company C, 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany. Killed June 16.

Sergeant David B. Parson, 30, of Kannapolis, North Carolina; 1-37th Armored Battalion, 1st Armored Division, Friedburg, Germany. Killed July 6.

Master Sergeant Williams L. Payne, 46, of Michigan; 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. Killed May 16.

Sergeant Michael P. Pedersen, Flint, Michigan; 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Killed April 2.

Specialist Jose A. Perez III, 22, of San Diego, California; 6th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Killed May 28.

Staff Sergeant Brett J. Petriken, 30, of Flint, Michigan; 501st Military Police Company, Wiesbaden, Germany. Killed May 26.

Sergeant First Class Gladimir Philippe, 37, of Linden, New Jersey; Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Body recovered June 28.

Private First Class Lori Ann Piestewa, 23, of Tuba City, Arizona; Army's 507th Ordnance Maintenance Co., 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed March 23.

Second Lieutenant Frederick Pokorney, 31, Nye, Nevada; Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Killed March 23.

Staff Sergeant Andrew R. Pokorny, 30, of Naperville, Illinois; 3rd Air Defense Artillery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Killed June 13.

Private Kelley S. Prewitt, 24, of Alabama; Headquarters
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BAGHDAD — Uday Hussein's (search) personal bodyguard broke a three-month silence yesterday to give the first authoritative account of how Saddam (search) and his sons spent the war.

In an exclusive interview with The Times of London, the bodyguard claimed that, far from fleeing Baghdad, the three men held out in the capital for at least a week after its fall.

He said that they evaded repeated American attempts to assassinate or capture them, and even appeared in public under the noses of U.S. troops.

During a three-hour interview in a house in a town an hour northwest of Baghdad, the bodyguard said that Saddam and his sons had remained in the capital throughout the war, convinced they could hold the city.

When the first bombs fell on a house in a southern suburb, where the Americans believed Saddam and his sons were meeting, he and Uday were on the other side of the city in one of dozens of safe houses belonging to trusted friends and relatives through which the three men were to pass in the weeks to come.

The bodyguard said the Americans’ next “decapitation� strike came a lot closer, and that Saddam survived only because several safe houses had come under attack and he suspected there was an informant within his camp.

Saddam asked the suspect, a captain, to prepare a safe house behind a restaurant in the Mansour district for a meeting. They arrived, and left again, almost immediately, by the back door. “Ten minutes after they went out of the door, it was bombed,� the bodyguard said.

Saddam had the captain summarily executed while the Pentagon was claiming that the strike had probably finished off Saddam and Uday.

The 28-year-old man, who asked that his name be kept secret for fear of reprisals, served as one of Uday’s coterie of handpicked personal bodyguards from 1997 until the moment his former boss finally left Baghdad to organize guerrilla resistance further north.

Uday bade him farewell with a $1,000 golden handshake, promising to be in touch again “when he was needed�. On Tuesday U.S. troops killed Uday and his brother, Qusay (search), in a gunfight in the northern city of Mosul. On Thursday the Pentagon released pictures of the dead brothers.

When Baghdad fell on April 9, Saddam, Uday and Qusay were in separate houses in Adhamiya (search), a Sunni neighborhood full of loyalists where Saddam had been on a televised walkabout two days before.

Uday’s bodyguard was not present on that occasion, but was there two days later when, to the astonishment of all around, Saddam and his sons appeared at Friday prayers at a mosque in Adhamiya, a few miles from where American troops were patrolling.

“There were crowds all around and an old woman came up to Saddam and asked, ‘What have you done to us?’,� the bodyguard recalled.

“Saddam clapped his hand to his head and said, ‘What can I do? I trusted the commanders but they were traitors and they betrayed Iraq. But we hope that, before long, we will be back in power and everything will be fixed’.�

The men never appeared in public again, but the bodyguard said that they were able to travel freely from safe house to safe house in unmarked cars, sometimes under the noses of the Americans.

“Once we were in Mansour, their convoy was going by and we just drove right past them in ordinary cars. They never saw us,� he said.

For an increasingly anxious Uday, it was a moment of comic relief. “He made fun of them. When he saw a soldier with a red face, he said, ‘That’s not a soldier for war’.� Uday offered an obscene suggestion of what the soldier’s face might be better used for.

The bodyguard said that Saddam and his sons had remained in Baghdad in the genuine belief that they could hold the city. Only later, when they believed they had been betrayed by their commanders, did they consider an alternative. “The resistance was not factored in before the war,� he said. “There was a closed meeting five or six days after the war, and that is when they began to discuss the resistance.�

A couple of days later, the bodyguard was summoned by Uday, who handed him $1,000 in cash and said he could go home. Uday would not say where he was going — only that it was time to begin the resistance. “He said you can go. We’ll get you when we need you,� the bodyguard said. “They only kept their relatives with them after that. They didn’t trust anyone else.�

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