Indiana Soldier Killed In Iraq

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. -- A soldier from Indiana has been killed in Iraq, his family said.

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Slideshow: Family Mourns Indiana Soldier

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Doyle, 24, was one of four men killed Thursday when their Humvee hit a land mine in the Iraqi city of Samarra.

Doyle grew up on Indianapolis' southwest side in Decatur Township.

Doyle's father, John, lives in Martinsville. He talked with RTV6's Jeremy Brilliant about his loss and how he wants his son remembered.

"I personally felt that the more times he was exposed to danger, the worse chances he had at survival," Doyle said.

Jeremy Doyle was in his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was one of the first U.S. soldiers to enter Baghdad during the first stages of the war.

"I wanted people to know that he paid the ultimate price -- that he should be celebrated," John Doyle said.

Doyle was a Decatur Central student until the 10th grade, when he moved to Maryland with his mother. He enlisted in the Army after high school. He served in Germany, Kosovo and Iraq.

"He was there willingly. He was an enlisted man. He hadn't been drafted, so everybody should support those guys," Doyle said.

October would have been his second wedding anniversary. His wife, Leah, is now a widow at 20 years old.

Doyle's stepmother told RTV6 that when she spoke with him by phone, he never complained.

"He wanted to make a difference and he has made a difference," Sandy Doyle said. "He's made a difference in my life and every American."

Jeremy Doyle had told his father he did not want to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He'll be buried in Martinsville in a family plot. Funeral arrangements are pending.