U.S. Army Medic From Marshfield Killed In Afghanistan

The military said a U.S. Army medic from Marshfield has died in Afghanistan of injuries suffered in an insurgent attack.

The Defense Department said Tuesday that Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann, 27, died on Christmas Day in Kunar province. The military said he was hurt when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire.

His mother told The Associated Press by telephone the family was preparing to fly to Dover, Del., for the arrival of her son’s body. Janice Altmann said the family is “devastated.”

She says Altmann had served two tours in Iraq and just re-enlisted for another four years. She says he got married in February. He had no children.

Altmann was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks.