Local Marines who died in combat honored in California
Two suburban Marines who died in combat last week are being remembered in California, where Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered American and state flags at the capitol in Sacramento to be flown at half-staff in their honor.
Lance Cpl. Kevin E. Oratowski of Wheaton and Cpl. Christopher "C.J." Boyd of Palatine were in Marine divisions based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. They are being honored in California because of their Camp Pendleton ties.
Flags at the California capitol will be at half-staff through today for Oratowski, 23. Oratowski, a light-armored vehicle crewman who enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2008, was conducting what military officials called mounted combat operations against enemy forces when he was killed by a roadside bomb Wednesday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
"Lance Cpl. Oratowski defended our nation and our freedoms we cherish," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "Maria (Shriver) and I send our thoughts and prayers to Kevin's loved ones and fellow Marines as they mourn the loss of this brave man. The sacrifices he made for this country will never be forgotten."
Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Melinda Malone said the flags in Sacramento will at half-staff for 72 hours in honor of Boyd starting Monday. Boyd's death was not confirmed by the Defense Department until late Friday, which is why he was not included in the statement Schwarzenegger issued after he learned Oratowski was killed in combat.
Boyd, 22, was killed by a roadside bomb Thursday while on foot patrol in battle against enemy forces, also in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He joined the Marines in June 2006.
Oratowski's and Boyd's parents went to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware over the weekend to claim their sons' bodies.
Friends remembered Boyd, a 2006 graduate of Palatine High School, as a kind, considerate and hardworking Marine who dreamed of a military career. He lived in California with his high-school sweetheart wife and twin boys.
Oratowski, who graduated from Glenbard South High School in 2005, was remembered for emerging as a leader who always was willing to help others.