Marine Crash Victim Named
The Camp Pendleton Marine killed during a helicopter accident in Kuwait this week was identified by the Marine Corps on Tuesday as Cpl. Matthew J. Michalec of Mogodore, Ohio.
Michalec was killed and three other Marines were injured Monday when their CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter caught fire in flight and was forced to make an emergency landing about 25 miles northwest of Kuwait City, Marine Capt. T.V. Johnson said.
The helicopter was en route from the USS Tarawa to Kuwait to conduct routine training, Johnson said.
The three injured crew members were identified as Capt. Matthew S. Blasak of Aurora, Ohio, the co-pilot; Capt. M.S. Jackson, the pilot; and Cpl. J.N. McGiniss, a crew member, Johnson said. Hometowns for Jackson and McGiniss were not released, but all were members of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Pendleton.
The injured Marines were taken to the USS Tarawa for medical treatment. Jackson and McGiniss were treated and released and Blasak was listed in stable condition, Johnson said.
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