US Marine identified as 1 of 4 victims killed in Philippines plane crash
One of the four victims of a deadly aircraft crash in the Philippines last week has been identified as a 22-year-old U.S. Marine from California, military officials announced Sunday.
The crash occurred in the Maguindanao del Sur province of the southern Philippines on Thursday Feb. 6 when a U.S. service member and three defense contractors were conducting "routine reconnaissance." All aboard are confirmed to have died in the crash, though it is unclear if the three defense contractors were also U.S. citizens.
The aircraft was conducting a routine mission “providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies" at the time of the incident, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Marine Corps.
The cause of the crash has yet to be determined and is still under investigation, said officials.
US Marine Jacob M. Durham from California identified as plane crash victim
Marine Corps officials from the Pendleton, California base identified one of the victims as 22-year-old Sgt. Jacob M. Durham. The Long Beach native joined the Marine Corps in January 2021, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Marine Corps, and was trained as an electronic intelligence/electromagnetic warfare analyst.
Serving with the 1st Radio Battalion, Durhman worked in the I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. He was promoted to Sgt. on Feb. 1, just five days before his death. His awards and decorations included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast, and Naval Aircrew Insignia, said Marine officials.
"We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of the 1st Radio Battalion, in a statement. “Sgt. Durham embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps—exemplifying composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership. He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and his fellow Marines during this profoundly difficult time.”
Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Paste BN