Lance Cpl. Joshua H. Birchfield

Lance Cpl. Joshua H. Birchfield, 24, of Westville, Ind., died Feb. 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
 

Birchfield was on his first deployment with the Marines and was stationed in the Helmand province with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Twentynine Palms, Calif. Birchfield, who had enlisted with the Marines in April 2008, will be awarded the Purple Heart. He also has been awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and four other medals. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family," the release said. Friends of Birchfield remembered him during the weekend, gathering at Blackhawk Inn, which he used to visit. People called him generous and how he wanted to fight for his country. Others said the 2004 Westville High School graduate was down to earth and funny. The American Legion Post 21 has posted a sign saying "LCPL JOSH BIRCHFIELD YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN -- WE LOVE YOU." Birchfield was one of three Hoosier Marines killed in Afghanistan last week.