Corporal Catalin-Ionel Marinescu, of the 26th 'Neagoe Basarab' Infantry Battalion, was killed in action in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, at about 06.00 hrs., on Tuesday, May 10.

During a patrol mission on route A1, the soldier was conducting a recce mission of an objective, according to procedures. He was severely injured during an attac with an improvised explosive device after which he was promptly airlifted with a MEDEVAC helicopter to be taken to the field hospital at Lagman base. Despite the doctors’ efforts to stabilize him, Corporal Marinescu passed away.

The 28 years old soldier was not married.

The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gabriel Oprea, signed the order for Corporal Catalin-Ionel Marinescu’s posthumous promotion in rank to 2nd Lieutenant, as he sacrificed his life during actions carried out under the national Colors, having proved outstanding devotion in the missions assigned in the theater of operations in Afghanistan.

The defence minister also submitted to the President of Romania the proposition that 2nd Lieutenant (posthumous) Catalin-Ionel Marinescu be decorated with National Order 'Steaua Romaniei' in rank of Knight, for military men, with war insignia.

All military units across the country, the ones deployed abroad will organize military and religious ceremonies at 08.00 hrs. on Wednesday, May 11, as a token of respect, recognition and appreciation for Hero Catalin-Ionel Marinescu.

The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gabriel Oprea and the military leadership express their deep regret for the death of 2nd Lieutenant (posthumous) Catalin-Ionel Marinescu and for the loss his family experienced.

MoND Press Office