Pentagon releases name of 30-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine killed in combat

SAN DIEGO - The Pentagon released the name today of a 30-year-old Camp Pendleton-based Marine killed in combat this week in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Jose L. Saenz III of Pleasanton, Texas, died in Helmand Province on Monday, according to the Department of Defense.

Saenz, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2003, was a motor- transport maintenance technician with the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. In 2008, he deployed to the Western Pacific with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

His military awards include a Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger offered condolences to Saenz's family and ordered flags at the state Capitol lowered to half-staff in his honor.

''With pride and honor, he answered the call of duty to defend our national's freedoms, and the sacrifice he made will be remembered forever,'' the governor said.