The Pentagon on Sunday identified the Marine Raider that was killed in Iraq during combat as Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer.
Koppenhafer, 35, who was a critical skills operator with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, died Saturday from wounds he had sustained during combat operations while fighting with Iraqi Security Forces in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Originally from Mancos, Colorado, he had spent more than 10 years as a Marine Raider and had deployed four times.
Prior to joining the Marine Corps’ elite operator community, Koppenhafer had served as a machine gunner and a scout sniper. In addition to being meritoriously promoted to staff sergeant on his first deployment to Afghanistan, he was selected as Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s Critical Skills Operator of the Year in 2018.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
“Our most sincere thoughts are with the family and teammates of Gunnery Sergeant Koppenhafer during this difficult time. MARSOC is providing care and support to Gunnery Sergeant Koppenhafer’s family,” U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command said. “We urge respect for their privacy as they grieve this incredible loss.”
Koppenhafer is the third U.S. service member death as the result of combat for Operation Inherent Resolve in 2019.
