It is with great sadness that the Department of Defence announces the death of Australian Commando, Lance Corporal Jason Marks, serving with Special Operations Task Group in Oruzgan Province, approximately 25km southeast of Tarin Kowt, in southern Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Marks, 27 years of age from Sydney, was killed during a gun-battle in the early hours of Monday, 28 April when Australian soldiers were engaged by Taliban extremists using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

More: Media Release | Audio | Imagery of LCPL Marks | Imagery of Ramp Ceremony in Afghanistan

STATEMENT FROM MRS CASSANDRA MARKS:

There are no words to express how we are feeling.  Our family is devastated at the tragic loss of Jason in Afghanistan today.

Jason was a devoted father to our two beautiful children and a loving husband to me.

All Jason ever wanted to do was join the Army.  He was the type of man who knew what he wanted, even from the age of 12, all Jason ever wanted to be was a soldier.

Becoming a Commando was a dream of Jason’s, he was proud of who he was and proud of what he did.

Jason loved to be active, whether it was through playing union, league or rock climbing.  He even became a combat fitness leader in the Army he loved it so much.

Jason always strived to be the best he could be, he loved the Army, he loved his mates and he loved his family.

STATEMENT FROM CHIEF OF ARMY LIEUTENANT GENERAL PETER LEAHY:

The loss of Lance Corporal Jason Marks has been heavily felt throughout the Australian Army. Jason’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers Australian Defence Force personnel face as they provide the people of Afghanistan with a chance for a better life.

We in the Army extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jason’s wife, children, family and friends. Though no words can alleviate their pain at this terrible time, I hope the knowledge they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be of some comfort to them as they deal with their loss.

My thoughts are also with men and women of the Australian Army who are mourning the loss of a colleague and a mate. May your continued service honour Jason’s sacrifice.

Jason was a dedicated, professional and greatly respected soldier. We are proud of him and the service he gave to his country. He has made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR-GENERAL, HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL JEFFERY, AC CVO MC (Retd):

Last week I spent four days visiting our men and women deployed in the Middle East area of operations. I was privileged to spend my last ANZAC Day as Commander-in-Chief at a Dawn Service with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan.

To hear of the death of Lance Corporal Marks from the SOTG, just three days later, is deeply saddening.

Lance Corporal Marks served with distinction and made a great contribution to our nation, not only in the special forces, in the 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, but previously in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.

On behalf of all Australians I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, family and comrades on the tragic loss of a husband, father and fine soldier.

Furthermore, I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to our four wounded soldiers.

Read statement in full