Marler, Donald Matthew
Male
Verified Donald Matthew Marler, 22, of St. Louis, Missouri, was a U.S. Marine Corps corporal. He was killed in action in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on June 6, 2010.
Their Story
Corporal Donald Matthew Marler was a 22-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, part of Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward. His unit was based out of Camp Pendleton, California, and deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On June 6, 2010, Cpl. Marler was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, a volatile southern region of Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announcement stated he died from wounds sustained in an enemy attack, though the precise tactical details of the engagement were not released.
Marler's death occurred during a period of intense fighting following a major U.S. troop surge into Afghanistan, which began in late 2009. Helmand province, a center of Taliban activity and opium production, was a focal point for U.S. Marine Corps operations aimed at clearing insurgent strongholds and securing population centers.
Following his death, Marler was returned to the United States. His hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, was listed as his place of record. Public records and memorial pages indicate he was survived by family, though specific details of their statements were not widely published.
Corporal Marler is memorialized on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Marine Corps Museum and on online veterans' memorial sites. His name is included on the roster of U.S. service members who died during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Explore Further
Cpl. Donald Marler 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.
