thedrifter
10-25-08, 06:15 AM
Last modified Friday, October 24, 2008 9:54 PM PDT
Camp Pendleton-based Marine killed in Afghanistan
By Associated Press
SANTA ANA ---- A 23-year-old Marine was killed in combat in Afghanistan, one month shy of completing his third tour of duty in the Middle East, military officials said Friday.
Lance Cpl. San Sim of Santa Ana died Wednesday after being shot in the Helmand province, the Department of Defense said.
Sim, a rifleman based in Camp Pendleton, headed to southwestern Afghanistan in April and was due to return next month, said 1st Lt. Curtis Williamson. He said his unit's mission was to help train Afghan troops but "the situation on the ground dictated that they have more of a combat role. He was out there fighting."
Sim's brother Seng Sim described him as a dedicated Marine who had completed two stints in Iraq and won commendations, including two Purple Hearts.
"We're really proud of him," Seng Sim said.
San Sim was part of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. He attended Santa Ana Valley High School before joining the Marines.
"When he got out of high school, he wanted to do something for his country," Seng Sim said. "Everything else could wait."
The Marine's body is expected to return next week. Funeral arrangements were pending.
Ellie
Camp Pendleton-based Marine killed in Afghanistan
By Associated Press
SANTA ANA ---- A 23-year-old Marine was killed in combat in Afghanistan, one month shy of completing his third tour of duty in the Middle East, military officials said Friday.
Lance Cpl. San Sim of Santa Ana died Wednesday after being shot in the Helmand province, the Department of Defense said.
Sim, a rifleman based in Camp Pendleton, headed to southwestern Afghanistan in April and was due to return next month, said 1st Lt. Curtis Williamson. He said his unit's mission was to help train Afghan troops but "the situation on the ground dictated that they have more of a combat role. He was out there fighting."
Sim's brother Seng Sim described him as a dedicated Marine who had completed two stints in Iraq and won commendations, including two Purple Hearts.
"We're really proud of him," Seng Sim said.
San Sim was part of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. He attended Santa Ana Valley High School before joining the Marines.
"When he got out of high school, he wanted to do something for his country," Seng Sim said. "Everything else could wait."
The Marine's body is expected to return next week. Funeral arrangements were pending.
Ellie