Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center identifies Marine killed after high mobility vehicle rollover
The U.S. Marine who died on Sunday after a vehicle rollover at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms has been identified.
According to a statement released by the Marine Corps Combat Center, Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Jerry L. Betzold died on July 28, 2024, following a vehicle rollover that took place while Betzold was supporting a Service Level Training Exercise on July 27, 2024.
The incident involved a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle.
Betzold was first treated for his severe injuries at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms. He was then transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was pronounced deceased on Sunday.
“Staff Sergeant Jerry Betzold represents all that is good and pure in our nation and Corps,” said TTECG Director Col. David Hart. “He tragically lost his life while working to ensure our combat formations remain ready when the nation needs them.”
SSGT Jerry L. Betzold, a 26-year-old from Avon, Indiana, joined the U.S. Marine Corps on August 15, 2016. He trained as an infantry Marine and was promoted to staff sergeant on March 1, 2024. At the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command in Twentynine Palms, Betzhold was assigned to the Tactical Training Exercise Control Group. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (second award), Sea Service Deployment Medal (fourth award), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
“His loss is deeply felt across our Marine Corps family,” reads a statement from the Marine Corps Combat Center. “Our hearts and full support will remain with his family and friends as we all navigate this extremely difficult time.”
No other Marines were injured in this incident.
The incident remains under investigation by NCIS.
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