By WILSON RING,
Associated Press Writer

MONTPELIER -- The Shelburne Marine pilot killed in action in Iraq on Wednesday was a devoted family man, dedicated to his country and the Marine Corps, friends and fellow service members said.

Lt. Col. David Greene, 39, a pilot of an AH-1 Cobra helicopter, was killed Wednesday when he was hit by ground fire while flying in Iraq's Al Anbar province.

"This whole neighborhood is heartbroken," said Bill Hogan, a friend who lives near the Greene family. "He was an outstanding, devoted family man and father, a true patriot."

Greene was a Marine Corps reservist who traveled from Vermont to Johnstown, Pa., for drills, said Marine Corps Major Randy Parker.

"He was a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-accomplish-the-mission Marine Corps officer," Parker said. "He was loved by his subordinates and respected highly by his superiors."

Greene was the 11th service member with Vermont ties to die in Iraq. A 12th Vermonter died of natural causes in Kuwait before being sent to Iraq.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Greene family," Gov. James Douglas said Friday. "It's a tragedy for them, their friends, for their community, for our state."

Douglas said Vermont is paying a disproportionately high price for the war in Iraq.

"We had the highest casualty rate during the Civil War of any northern state," Douglas said. "Vermonters for literally centuries have answered the call to serve our country. They're well trained, their highly motivated. They're often called upon for the most difficult missions. Regrettably, we are paying a heavy price."

For the last three and a half years, Greene worked as a program manager at the B.F. Goodrich Aerospace plant in Vergennes.

"Dave was not only a colleague to us, he was truly a friend," Harry Arnold, the president of Goodrich's Vergennes plant, said in a statement. "His love for his family and our country will stay with us all."

Parker said Greene was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines and 1986 and remained on active duty until 1997. Parker served with Greene on active duty and then again when both were in the reserves.

Greene spent his Marine Corps active duty career in North Carolina and in announcing his death the Pentagon listed Greene as being from Raleigh, N.C. But he had lived for several years in Vermont with his family.

More than 100 Marine reservists from Johnstown were sent to Iraq last winter. Greene was the first Marine from that unit killed in action, Parker said.

"We're deeply saddened by this tragic loss," Parker said. "It won't deter the unit from continuing its operational mission in support of freedom in Iraq and the United States."

Hogan said he last saw Greene at a Christmas party after Greene knew that he would be going to Iraq. Greene talked of the danger.

"He said 'I am a helicopter pilot,"' Hogan said. "'They really like to aim the (rocket propelled grenades) at us."'