IRAQ: Personal tales of the fallen

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall was at the head of a convoy in Iraq when an RPG hit, killing him. The 50-year-old soldier had been a source of wisdom and strength for the men around him.

Capt. Patrick M. Rapicault, 34, was born French but fell in love with the U.S. and joined the Marines. In Iraq, he seemed fearless as he cleared the streets of Anbar province for convoys.

Marine Cpl. Nicholas P. Rapavi, 22, was about to finish his second tour of Iraq and was going to leave the Corps. He wanted to go to college and maybe become a doctor.

They were among the 4,000 U.S. service members killed since U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq in March 2003. Times staff writers share their memories of these and other fallen troops as another grim milestone is reached in the war.

Read about them here: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...3.storygallery

— Alexandra Zavis in Baghdad

Ellie