Fallen Altoona Marine Credited With Saving 12 Lives

Military officials said a local Marine killed in battle saved the lives of 12 fellow soldiers before he died.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Ingham, 25, was killed in Afghanistan earlier this week. He was a 2002 graduate of Altoona Area High School.

His platoon commander said Ingham was wounded, but crawled and exposed himself while under fire to call for air support. The commander said Ingham's actions saved 12 other Marines.

"Nearly half as old as me, this man was a man I looked up to. If my children ever one day decide to serve, I would hope and pray that they would be led by someone like Staff Sgt. Matt Ingham," said Maj. Jordan Walzer.

Ingham was assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with his wife, who was his eighth-grade sweetheart.

Ingham's wife and parents were at Dover Air Force Base on Thursday to receive his body. Fire crews and motorcycles are on standby to escort them back home to Altoona. The senior ride captain with the Patriot Guard Riders said they were asked to help escort Ingham's body, but the details were not known as of Thursday afternoon.

Stya with WJACTV.com and WJAC-TV News for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: January 13, 2010: Teacher Describes Fallen Altoona Soldier As Natural Leader January 13, 2010: Altoona Marine Killed In Afghanistan