U.S. Embassy News Release

June 13, 2007

 

Full U.S. Military Burial Honors for Filipino-American Killed in Iraq

 

The U.S. Government will provide full military burial honors to Filipino-American U.S. Army Sergeant Richard Valiant Correa, who was killed in action when he encountered an improvised explosive device during a dismounted patrol on May 29, 2007, near Ilbu, Falris, Iraq.  Burial services are being held on Friday, June 15, 2007, in Sergeant Correa’s hometown of Lingayen, Pangasinan.

 

Sergeant Correa served in Iraq with the U.S. Army’s 2^rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10^th Mountain Division, which is based in Fort Drum, New York.  In recognition of his valor and dedication, Sergeant Correa will receive posthumously the Bronze Star Medal, which is the fourth highest U.S. military award for gallantry in action, as well as the Purple Heart medal.

 

U.S. Brigadier General Harvey T. Landwermeyer, Assistant Division Commander (Support) 2d Infantry Division, Korea, and a Funeral Honor Guard from the 8^th Army Korea will be present along with military representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Manila to honor Sergeant Correa and his next of kin. 

Sergeant Correa was born in the Philippines on May 20, 1982.  He spent two years of his early childhood in the U.S. then returned to Lingayen, Pangasinan and in 1999 graduated from Lingayen Educational Center.  At age 17, Sergeant Correa moved back to the U.S. and, starting in1999, served in the U.S. Air Force for four years.  In July 2004, he re-enlisted into the U.S. Army.  He is survived by his father, Richard Benito Primicias and his mother, Minda Mariano Correas of Lingayen, Pangasinan; two brothers and two sisters; and his fiancé, Cory Dell, of Jacksonville, Florida.

To respect the wishes of the family in maintaining dignity, solemnity, and peace of mind during this especially difficult time, the media covering this event are asked to refrain from seeking interviews with family members. 

 

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