DOD Identifies Marine Casualties
May 16, 2011

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf, 27, of Nashville, Tenn., and Lt. Col. Benjamin J. Palmer, 43, of Modesto, Calif., died May 12 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

This incident is currently under investigation.

Sgt. Balduf was assigned to 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at 910-451-5260.

Lt. Col. Palmer was assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Cherry Point, N.C. For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the II Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs office at 252-466-4241.