Marine veteran Lance Cpl. Joel David Beal, who served from 2006-2010, was killed in Ukraine in October while bravely attempting to destroy a Russian vehicle, as per his commander in the volunteer group Chosen Company. Beal, who had been fighting in Ukraine since early 2022, was hit by a mortar round in Donetsk Oblast after leaving his trench to engage a Russian infantry vehicle. Described as fearless, he had previously served in Iraq and was awarded several medals, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal. Beal, known by the callsign “Gander,” was remembered for his conviction and bravery, exemplified in a mission where he retrieved and used a dropped grenade launcher under fire. His death, first reported by Task & Purpose, was confirmed by the State Department, but further details were withheld out of respect for his family’s privacy.

Read More: https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2023/12/01/marine-veteran-killed-in-ukraine-was-fearless-his-commander-says/