Memorial service held for Marines killed in Hawthorne explosion

The cause of a March 18 mortar malfunction that killed seven Marines and injured eight other servicemembers in Hawthorne remains under investigation.

The First Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment, held a private memorial service earlier today at Camp Lejeune, N.C., for the seven Marines killed in the training.

The service was attended by the members of the unit and families of the deceased.

The names of the fallen Marines are Pfc. Joshua M. Martino, 19, of Clearfield, Pa.; Lance Cpl. David P. Fenn II, 20, of Polk City, Fla.; Lance Cpl. Roger W. Muchnick Jr., 23, of Fairfield, Conn.; Lance Cpl. Joshua C. Taylor, 21, of Marietta, Ohio; Lance Cpl. Mason J. Vanderwork, 21, of Hickory, N.C.; Lance Cpl. William T. Wild IV, 21, of Anne Arundel, Md.; and Cpl. Aaron J. Ripperda, 26, of Madison, Ill.

The names of the injured are Pfc. James P. Davies, Pfc. Trent M. Martin, Lance Cpl. Sean J. Burke, Lance Cpl. Douglas L. Hand II, Lance Cpl. Myles E. Harris, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian S. McClanahan, Sgt. Caleb W. Patton, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan P. West.

“We send our prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines and sailors who have been killed and injured in this tragic incident,” said Brig. Gen. Jim Lukeman, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General. “Our first priority is to provide them with the support they need during this very difficult time, and we’re doing that right now.”