June 13, 2010

Gov. Nixon orders flags to half-staff on June 15 in honor of fallen Marine from St. Louis

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags on all state buildings in St. Louis County be flown at half-staff from June 16 to June 21 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Corporal Donald M. Marler, age 22, of St. Louis. Corporal Marler was a United States Marine who died on June 6 while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 

In addition, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff for one full day on June 15, the day funeral services for Corporal Marler will take place. 

Corporal Marler was assigned to 3^rd Battalion, 1^st Marine Regiment, 1^st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. His awards and decorations include the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Mast and the Presidential Service Badge.