Balthaser, Jesse Michael

Jesse Michael Balthaser was a 23-year-old Marine sergeant from Columbus, Ohio. He served with the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based out of Twentynine Palms, California, as part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward.

On September 4, 2010, Sergeant Balthaser was killed by hostile action while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The Marine Corps confirmed his death was the result of enemy activity, though specific details of the engagement were not widely released.

His death occurred during a period of intense fighting in the Helmand River Valley, a Taliban stronghold. In late 2009, U.S. forces had launched a major offensive, Operation Moshtarak, to clear the region. By 2010, the area remained a focal point for insurgent attacks against coalition troops.

Following his death, Balthaser was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. His body was returned to Ohio, where he was buried with military honors. Local news reported on memorial services held in his hometown.

Sergeant Balthaser is remembered on memorial walls and by veteran organizations. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

Sgt. Jesse Balthaser was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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