Governor Rendell Orders Flags at Capitol and in Allegheny County to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities in Allegheny County to be flown at half-staff in honor of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg, of Pittsburgh.

Staff Sgt. Schmalstieg, 28, was killed in combat on Dec. 15 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Media contact: Gary Tuma, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor