The U.S-led invasion of Iraq began 10 years ago on March 19, 2003. By one count, the war is directly responsible for 189,000 deaths, not including those who died from hardship caused by the fighting.
In all, 4,802 Americans and allies have died in the war, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, including 141 Georgians.
Among them are two soldiers from Marietta. From the CNN war casualties website:
- Pfc. Jesus Fonseca, 19, Company C, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Died when a car bomb device detonated near his position in Ramadi, Iraq, on Jan. 17, 2005.
- Lance Cpl. Stephen Franklin Johnson, 20, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Died while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Saqlawiya, Anbar province, Iraq, on Oct. 8, 2006.
