Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sgt. Matthew N. Ingham

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today ordered state flags in the Capitol Complex and on commonwealth facilities in Blair County to be flown at half-staff in honor of Staff Sgt. Matthew N. Ingham, who was killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, we are deeply saddened by the death of Staff Sgt. Ingham and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends," Governor Rendell said. "It's my understanding that, while wounded, he crawled to call in air support, exposing himself to additional fire, in order to protect his fellow soldiers. In his honor, we will lower state flags as a sign of respect for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice to protect our treasured freedoms."

Authorities said Ingham, 25, of Altoona, died Jan. 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Flags will remain at half-staff through sunset on Friday, Jan. 22.

Media contact: Gary Tuma, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor