Boelk, James David

James David Boelk was a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Pendleton, California. The battalion, part of Regimental Combat Team 2, deployed to Afghanistan in the fall of 2010 as part of a major coalition operation in Helmand province.

On October 15, 2010, Boelk was killed by enemy action while conducting operations in Helmand province. The Department of Defense announced his death the following day. He was one of several Marines from his battalion killed during a period of intense fighting in the Sangin district, a Taliban stronghold.

Boelk's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2010, coalition forces, particularly U.S. Marines, were engaged in a difficult campaign to clear insurgent forces from key population centers in Helmand, one of the country's most volatile regions.

Following his death, Boelk was posthumously promoted to the rank of lance corporal. His remains were returned to the United States, and he was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Local news outlets reported on memorial services held in his hometown of Oceanside.

Lance Cpl. Boelk is remembered on memorial walls at Camp Pendleton and by fellow Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, which sustained significant casualties during its 2010-2011 deployment. His name is inscribed on the 1st Marine Division Memorial at Camp Pendleton.

Lance Cpl. James Boelk 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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