Boelk, James David

James David Boelk was a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Pendleton, California. The battalion deployed to Afghanistan in the fall of 2010.

On October 15, 2010, Boelk was killed by enemy action while conducting combat operations in Helmand province. The Marine Corps stated his death resulted from hostile fire. He was part of a major coalition operation in the region at the time.

His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2010, U.S. and allied forces were heavily engaged in Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold and center of opium production, as part of a troop surge aimed at securing population centers.

Boelk's death was reported by the Department of Defense. His family in Oceanside, California, was notified. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal.

Lance Cpl. Boelk is remembered on memorial walls and veteran websites. His battalion, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, sustained significant casualties during its 2010-2011 deployment, which became one of the unit's most difficult tours of the war.

James David Boelk was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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