CAMP LEJEUNE, NC -- The US Marine Corps says Gunnery Sgt. Ralph E. Pate Jr., 29, of Marion, died Sunday while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The Marine Corps says Pate was an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to 2nd EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Pate joined the Marine Corps in 1998 and was promoted to his current rank in 2009. Pate deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2011.
Pate received the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award.
