Pendleton Marines killed in Helmand IED blast
Staff report
Officials with 1st Marine Division have identified two Camp Pendleton-based Marines, both infantrymen from Texas, who were killed May 11 during combat operations in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Kenneth B. May Jr., 26, died after an IED exploded while he was on a dismounted patrol in Helmand province, division officials said in a news release. Cpl. Jeffrey W. Johnson, 21, died in the same blast.
May, of Kilgore, Texas, and Johnson, of Tomball, Texas, were anti-tank assault guided missilemen assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines.
May enlisted in 2005 and was on his third combat deployment. His death came one day after his second wedding anniversary, ABC affiliate KLTV reported.
Johnson, who enlisted in 2007, was on his second deployment.