Marine from Naperville killed

Six Marines from Illinois killed in Iraq

November 12, 2004 (INVERNESS, Ill.) — It was another difficult day for Chicago area families with loved ones fighting in Iraq. Six Marines from Illinois have died in battle this week. At least 22 troops have now died in Iraq since last Friday. That means 28 percent of those casualties are from Illinois. Military officials say this is just a coincidence. The six Marines from Illinois are -- Lance Corporal Nicholas Larson, Lance Corporal Aaron Pickering, Lance Corporal Branden Ramey, Corporal Joshua Palmer, corporal Peter Giannopoulis and Sergeant David Caruso.

David Caruso was the youngest of three boys. One of his brothers died of an illness a few years ago. His oldest son spoke for his family today. Michael Caruso was proud of his little brother but that didn't mean he didn't worry.

"I said, just be careful. You know, keep your head down. Keep your eyes open. Keep your head on a swivel. Keep your body armor on and he said don't worry. I'll be OK," said Michael.

Sergeant David Caruso was killed in combat in Iraq. He grew up in Naperville and was a 1998 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School. He played varsity football there.

"What happens to you or one of yours here at the -- it kind of brings it right here and it really saddens you," said BJ Luke, football coach.

He left high school with a knee injury and pushed himself through rehab to make it to boot camp.

"Anything he tried, he was -- he never gave up," said Michael.

Sergeant Caruso is the third Naperville resident to be killed while in Iraq. The mayor had this to say.

"Our love and prayers that they get through this. Thank you, David," said Mayor George Pradel, Naperville.

The mayor was a Marine himself. He also just sent his grandson to Okinawa for training with the Marines. So today he was speaking as a mayor but also as a father and grandfather who is worried about loved ones.