Multinational Force Iraq Reports on Operations (formerly CJTF-7)

Multinational Force Iraq Reports on Operations

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2004 -- Two 1st Infantry Division soldiers died in separate incidents and a Marine assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq's Anbar province died from nonhostile causes May 18, Multinational Force Iraq announced in news releases today.

One Soldier was killed by small-arms fire while on patrol near Muqdadiyah around 4:30 p.m. The attacker fired on the patrol from a cemetery, officials said. The second Soldier died after an electrical accident around 6 p.m. at a coalition base near Bayji. Combat lifesavers and medics treated the soldier at the scene. He was taken to a military medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.

No details were provided concerning the Marine's death. Names are being withheld until families are notified.

Another news release said Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division's 336th Military Police detained nine suspects May 18 near the site of an improvised- explosive-device blast near Khalis. The Soldiers discovered two more IEDs and confiscated three AK-47 assault rifles, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 12- gauge shotgun shells, a grenade primer and several knives. No coalition Soldiers were injured in the attack, and the suspects were taken to a coalition facility for questioning, the news release said.

A weapons buy-back program paid off May 18 near Mandeli when an Iraqi citizen turned in 54 tank rounds to Task Force Danger Soldiers at a coalition base, according to another news release. The Soldiers secured the cache for destruction.

Prayers going out for the friends and loved ones of our fallen 1st Infantry Division Soldiers,
and Marine.

Good job, 1st Infantry Division Soldiers - removing nine enemies, their weapons - their current and future plots to kill and disrupt freedom - from the streets of Iraq.

God bless and protect our warriors, civilian, coalition, and native allies!
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REGIMENTAL PRAYER

Almighty, merciful, and loving Father,
you are the one who hears all our prayers and grants our petitions.

We ask you to remember, as we do,
the tremendous sacrifice made by those who went before us.
They have given their lives so that we might live and breathe freely.
We ask you to receive them into your hands.

Father, give us the strength and wisdom to learn from their example,
to uphold freedom and life at home and around the world.

Keep us vigilant as we guard the frontiers of freedom.

Give our leaders the wisdom and the strength to lead well.

Grant all of us courage and confidence.

Be, for all of us, troopers, a wise counsel in keeping peace
and a strong shield for us against our enemies.

Oh heavenly Father, give us the determination
that the peace and freedom won at such a high price be lasting!

Father, hold all of the troopers in the palm of your almighty hand
and protect them in the shadow of your wings.

Amen.

Adopted from the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment,

Regimental Prayer.

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