Cornelius, Kevin Michael
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Verified Kevin Michael Cornelius, 20, of Ashtabula, Ohio, was a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on August 7, 2010.
Their Story
Kevin Michael Cornelius was a 20-year-old Marine from Ashtabula, Ohio. He served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, of the II Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The battalion deployed to Afghanistan in the spring of 2010 as part of a surge of U.S. forces into the country's south.
On August 7, 2010, Lance Corporal Cornelius was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense stated his death was the result of hostile action, but did not release further operational details. He was one of at least four U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan that day.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2010, the conflict was at its most intense, with U.S. troop levels peaking and fierce fighting concentrated in Taliban strongholds like Helmand province. The goal of operations there was to clear insurgent forces and establish government control.
His body was returned to Ohio, where he was buried in St. Joseph Cemetery in Ashtabula. The local newspaper, the Star Beacon, reported on his funeral, noting he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His battalion commander was quoted saying Cornelius was 'a solid Marine' who was 'respected by his peers and leaders.'
Cornelius was one of 2356 American service members who died during Operation Enduring Freedom. He is memorialized on the Afghanistan War casualty lists maintained by the Department of Defense and on the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's casualty roster.
Explore Further
Lance Corporal Cornelius 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.
