PFC Anzack…RIP

It’s official, one of the soldiers abducted by the enemy has been confirmed dead:

Anzack was identified as the soldier whose body was found in the Euphrates River in Iraq after being abducted with two comrades a week and a half ago, a relative said.

"They told us, ‘We’re sorry to inform you the body we found has been identified as Joe,’" said the soldier’s aunt, Debbie Anzack. "I’m in disbelief."

Military officials told Anzack’s family that a commanding officer identified the body, but that DNA tests were still pending, she said.

Anzack, 20, of Torrance, was one of three soldiers who vanished after their combat team was ambushed May 12 about 20 miles outside of Baghdad. Five others, including an Iraqi, were killed in the ambush.

The three U.S. soldiers were members of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade combat team. The 10th Mountain Division, based in Fort Drum, New York, has spearheaded a search that has included 4,000 U.S. troops and 2,000 Iraqis. Two soldiers, not yet identified, have died in the search.

Rest in peace, PFC Anzack.

America is proud of you.