Marine Pfc. Daniel B. McClenney

Died June 24, 2004 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom

19, of Shelbyville, Tenn.; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; killed June 24 by hostile fire near Bari Khout, Afghanistan.

Tennessee Marine killed in Afghanistan

Associated Press

FLAT CREEK, Tenn. — A 19-year old Marine from Tennessee was killed in eastern Afghanistan, where U.S. troops are hunting Taliban and al-Qaida fighters, officials said.

Daniel McClenney, from Flat Creek in Bedford County, died during a skirmish Thursday, said his father, Randy McClenney.

Two Marine officers told his father that the young leatherneck, one year out of Shelbyville Central High School, was one of two Marines killed during the attack.

Daniel McClenney had been in Afghanistan two months, his father said, part of 2,000 extra Marines sent this spring to bring the coalition force to about 20,000.

“But I never thought of anything like this,” his father told WTVF of Nashville. “I just don’t understand why.”

Since 2001, at least 92 American troops have been killed in or around Afghanistan.

McClenney’s parents said he wanted to return home and become a police officer.

Fallen Marine to receive Silver Star

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — A Marine from Shelbyville killed last year in Afghanistan will posthumously receive the Silver Star on Friday during a ceremony in the town square.

Daniel B. McClenney, 19, was killed in an ambush near the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The medal is the military’s third-highest combat award and is given for gallantry in combat.

McClenney’s family is scheduled to be presented with the Silver Star, along with a bronze bust of the fallen Marine.

— Associated Press