Neal, Sean Patrick

Also known as: LCPL, 2D BN, 7TH MAR, (GCE, SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 1ST MARDIV, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedOctober 23, 2014

Age19 years old

Location of DeathBAGHDAD, IRAQ

Cause of DeathNon-combat incident (as stated by U.S. Department of Defense)

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

Lance Cpl. Sean Patrick Neal, 19, of Riverside, California, was a U.S. Marine killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on October 23, 2014.

Their Story

Sean Patrick Neal was a 19-year-old from Riverside, California. He served as a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, part of the Ground Combat Element of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC), based out of Twentynine Palms, California.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Neal died on October 23, 2014, in Baghdad, Iraq. The official release stated his death was the result of a non-combat incident. No further operational details about the circumstances were publicly disclosed.

Neal's death occurred during the opening months of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led military intervention against the Islamic State (ISIS). The operation began in August 2014 after ISIS forces captured large areas of Iraq and Syria, including the city of Mosul. U.S. and coalition troops were deployed to advise and assist Iraqi forces.

Following the announcement, Neal's body was returned to the United States. The Marine Corps stated that the incident was under investigation. Public records show he was posthumously awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

He is memorialized on the Riverside County Veterans Memorial and by online veteran communities. His unit, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, continued its deployment in support of the operation.