Twentynine Palms Marine Killed in Afghanistan

The U.S. Marine Corps announced Thursday that Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer, 23, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 25.

Spitzer enlisted in the Marine Corps, Aug. 17, 2009, out of New Braunfels, Texas.

This was Spitzer's second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His personal and service awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan.

The Marines and Sailors of 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of Sgt. Spitzer.