SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A memorial was held Friday at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in honor of five fallen servicemembers who were killed in a helicopter crash earlier this month.
The crash occurred in southeastern San Diego County, near Pine Valley, after a military helicopter was reported missing Wednesday, Feb. 7. Hours later, the crash site was discovered through search-and-rescue efforts.
All five of the Marines onboard were confirmed dead the following day. They were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
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On Friday, more than 550 Marines, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the following fallen servicemembers:
- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis , 21, of Olathe, Kansas. He was a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
— Donovan Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on Sept. 3, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on Jan. 1, 2024.
— His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. - Capt. Benjamin Moulton , 27, of Emmett, Idaho. He was a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
— Benjamin Moulton was commissioned in the Marine Corps on Mar. 29, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on Aug. 1, 2023.
— His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal. - Capt. Jack Casey , 26, of Dover, New Hampshire. He was a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
— Jack Casey commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on Sept. 1, 2023.
— His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.