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Jacob Bruce Kovco

    
Sunday, April 23 2006 @ 03:24 AM MDT
Contributed by: River97
Views: 4,330
Individuals Australiawww.smh.com.au -- Private Jacob (Jake) Bruce Kovco was one of Australia's most highly trained and respected snipers.

The 25-year-old father of two was today named as Australia's first fatal casualty in the Iraq conflict - dying from an accidental shot to the head while cleaning a 9mm Browning automatic pistol on Friday afternoon.

He died in a US Army combat surgical hospital where he was surrounded by his mates, who draped his body in an Australian flag and with a paratrooper's beret on his chest as they said the Lord's Prayer.

Private Kovco, who is survived by wife Shelley and two children, Tyrie and Alana, was born in Melbourne and grew up in Victoria.

He enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in March 2002 - fulfilling a life-long ambition. After successfully completing the recruit training course, he was selected for Infantry Corps and posted to the School of Infantry, Singleton, in May 2002.

After completing infantry basic training he was selected for service in the elite 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), Australia's only parachute infantry battalion.

At 3RAR he served in a range of positions as a rifleman and heavy weapons operator, but after intensive specialist training he became a sniper.

Last month, he was deployed to Iraq as a member of the 110-strong, Baghdad-based security detachment protecting Australian officials - a much sought-after role in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The ADF said today that during his time in Baghdad, Private Kovco showed a high level of devotion to duty and professionalism.

"He was a valued member of his team and is sorely missed, not only for his skills and professionalism, but also as a mate and comrade in arms," the Australian Defence Force (ADF) said in a statement.

Private Kovco's body is expected to be returned to Australia, accompanied by his platoon sergeant, over the next few days.

Army chief Lieutenant General Peter Leahy has launched an inquiry into the death, which will also be investigated by a coroner.

Army officials are also expected to draft recommendations on how to prevent such accidents occurring.

While not commenting directly on the inquiries, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said today he understood there were two other soldiers in the room at the time of the shot.

"They didn't see the firearm go off but ... there's every indication that it was nothing more than a tragic accident," Dr Nelson said.

"There's no evidence there was anything other than the accidental firing of the weapon that he was handling."

Private Kovco was the first Australian soldier to die in Iraq, although other Australians have been injured in insurgent bombing attacks and in vehicle accidents.
 
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The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Jacob Bruce Kovco
Authored by: River97 on Sunday, April 23 2006 @ 03:50 AM MDT
I served with 'Old Faithful', however, we never met. It's never
easy finding the words to say thank-you. As a soldier it's hard
losing a mate.
Jake, walk peacefully on Heaven's streets for you've done
your time in Hell.
  • Jacob Bruce Kovco - Authored by: anonymous on Tuesday, April 25 2006 @ 02:57 PM MDT
Jacob Bruce Kovco
Authored by: anonymous on Wednesday, April 26 2006 @ 12:53 AM MDT
my deepest sympathies go to your family. 'We will remember them, Lest we forget'
Jacob Bruce Kovco
Authored by: anonymous on Thursday, April 27 2006 @ 01:36 AM MDT
how did he die ? did someone shoot him by accident ?
  • Jacob Bruce Kovco - Authored by: anonymous on Saturday, April 29 2006 @ 06:01 PM MDT
Jacob Bruce Kovco
Authored by: anonymous on Thursday, May 04 2006 @ 02:13 PM MDT
Jacob thank You for serving for your countrymen and women. Take's a very special person to do so! soldiers fully understanding you serve as a soldier you risk your life. i am very proud jacob was a military brother to our son US Army Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl KIA Balad, Iraq 05-03-04. jacob the people of Iraq will remeber those that gave them freedom. you are a HERO to Australia, America,Iiraq and the world. i realize our son had not known you persoanlly! he watched of colation forces as his own soldiers. an you serving made it alot easier not to worry about my son. Healing is a very slow process. Be supportive toward one another. An reflect on very precious and fond memories you each shared with jacob. an he is with you in your heart. God Bless!
Jacob Bruce Kovco
Authored by: anonymous on Wednesday, November 15 2006 @ 08:03 PM MST
Jacob...you are a HERO! Ine that I'm extreme;ly proud of served by our son's side in Iraq. I realize neither one knew one another. Still military soldiers serving the same cause. Depend og brotherhood for support and to watch over one another. I was excited to hear you been honored back home with so many that have served for AUSTRALIA! US ARMY SGT GREGORY WAHL"S dad!
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