Hoosier is 1 of 16 dead in Afghanistan

[IndianaGreen]

July 3, 2005

Hoosier is 1 of 16 dead in Afghanistan
Ex-Shelbyville man was set to be U.S.-bound for daughter's birthday

By John Tuohy

Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles was supposed to be on his way back to the United States to celebrate his daughter's 10th birthday on July 4.

But the former Shelbyville resident's plans changed at the last minute, family members said Saturday.

Muralles, 33, was among the 16 U.S. troops killed Tuesday when their helicopter was shot down during a rescue mission in eastern Afghanistan.

The Army medic got the assignment, which involved the search for a missing elite military team, after another medic suffered a leg injury.

"When the Army officer came to tell us that Marcus was on the helicopter, I told him that couldn't be," said Bob Dill, Shelbyville, his stepfather. "I said his wife talked to him two days ago, and he was all packed up and ready to go for his daughter's birthday."

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050703/NEWS06/507030467

[salin]

1. RIP

and condolences to the family. How horrible to have such high hopes for a reunion to instead receive word of his death.

[renter]

2. Sympathy...

and prayers to this man's family. I grew up in Shelbyville.