19-year-old Lance Corporal Andrew G. Patten of Byron was killed along with nine fellow marines in Fallujah in the deadliest attack against American troops in four months. The military says the group was on a foot patrol. Yet to be confirmed as Thursday's attack, a tape could show the last few seconds of life for 10 U.S. Marines killed while on patrol in Fallujah. 11 more marines were injured. The tape, reportedly shot by an insurgent group was aired by the Arabic TV network Al-Jazeera. A banner at the bottom of the video allegedly says "10 American soldiers killed near Fallujah".

The city of Byron released a statement saying the community of Byron is lessened by the lost of Lance Corporal Andrew Patten. The city is asking that all flags be flown at half-mast during December to honor Patten. The date for the visitation and funeral are pending but will be held at Maywood Evangelical Free church.