1000th US Serviceman Killed Was On Second Tour

Marine nearly lost his leg on first Afghanistan tour
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted May 29, 2010 4:41 PM CDT
1000th US Casualty Went Back After Nearly Losing Leg
Jonathan Leicht poses with a photo of his brother, Marine Cpl. Jacob Leicht.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Here's a name to think about on Memorial Day: Jacob Leicht. This week, the Marine became the 1,000th US serviceman killed in Afghanistan by AP's count. But his story goes beyond that: He was on his second tour of duty when he stepped on an explosive and was killed Thursday. On his first tour in 2007, he nearly lost his leg in another IED explosion and spent 2 years in an Army hospital. After his rehab, he successfully lobbied to return to the battlefield, reports AP.

He was "someone who knew he wanted to be a soldier from the moment he could speak," says his brother Jonathan. (More Afghanistan war stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X