Semper Fi, Devil Dog. Rest in Peace.


Marine from Fenton area is killed in Afghanistan
By Robert Kelly
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
06/16/2008

FENTON — Michael Patton, 19, who grew up in the Fenton area and graduated from Fox High School in Arnold in 2007, was among four Marines killed by a roadside bomb on Saturday in Afghanistan, his sister said Sunday.

Patton joined the Marines shortly after graduating from high school and had been stationed at Twentynine Palms Marine Base in California before being sent to Afghanistan in April, according to his sister, Rebecca Patton of Fenton.

She said her family was informed of his death on Saturday. She was unsure when his body would be returned home for burial.

Rebecca Patton said her brother was in a convoy when his vehicle struck the explosive device. None of the other victims was from the St. Louis area. Further details were unavailable.


Michael Patton was married about a year ago. His wife, Amy, had been his girlfriend in high school, Rebecca Patton said.

"He had talked about joining the military since he was about 5 years old," Rebecca Patton said. "He was willing to follow his dream, even though it cost him his life."

She said he had played on the varsity soccer team at Fox High and was popular among his classmates.

He also was known for his infectious smile, she said. "He had two huge dimples on the side of his face that came out when he smiled," she said.

In addition to his wife and sister Rebecca, survivors include his parents, James and Teresa Patton of Fenton, and another sister, Margaret.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/jeffe...01018EB?OpenDocument

Rest in Peace Marine.Gunny Michael Patterson's Parents are my Nephew's next door neighbor in Fenton Mo.and had known him all of his life.