Marines Had 168 Suicides Since Iraq War Start

[babylonsister]

Suicide of 20-year-old Marine a sadly common tale

In a report on the death, his commanders and colleagues express surprise and regret. 'I will always wish there was something else we could have done to let him know we cared and were there for him.'

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 20, 2008


When interviewed about his death, none of the Marine's buddies said they had seen any sign that he was thinking of suicide.

Always quiet, he had seemed more withdrawn than usual. He had never felt at ease in Iraq and he repeatedly said he deserved to be back at Camp Pendleton. His reputation was that of a marginal performer who was good for a few days and then would backslide.

He was embarrassed at getting caught three times not paying attention while standing guard. He had been ordered to write letters of apology to his platoon.

Instead he was found dead on his bunk, his M-16 near his body. Tests on the weapon showed it was in perfect shape, seeming to rule out an accident.

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http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-marineside20-2008jul20,0,1804061.story