U.S. Marine From Temecula Killed in Iraq

A U.S. marine killed in northern Iraq on Saturday has been identified as a Temecula resident, according to a press release from the Department of Defense.

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Cardin was killed March 19 when his unit was attacked with rocket fire by ISIS. The DOD says the incident is currently under investigation.

Cardin was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The DOD issued the following statement when the incident was first reported:

Earlier today a U.S. Marine providing force protection fire support at a recently established coalition fire base near Makhmur in northern Iraq was killed after coming under ISIL rocket fire.

Several other Marines were wounded and they are being ‎treated for their varying injuries. ‎Additional identifying information will be provided after next of kin notification.

This is the second combat death since the start of Operation Inherent Resolve, and it reminds us of the risks our men and women in uniform face every day.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the service members involved, their families and their coalition teammates who will continue the fight against ISIL with resolve and determination.

This report will be updated.