Alan Cochran

British Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, age 23, from St Asaph, North Wales, died during a gun battle with Taliban soldiers in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, Afghanistan, on June 4, 2010.

British military officials state that "L/Cpl Cochran was courageous, selfless, and a respected junior commander who led from the front."

Alan Cochran was serving with the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, which was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup.

L/Cpl Cochran's mother Shirley and his family said: "Alan was a tremendous son. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved. We are devastated by the loss of Alan who was a loving son, grandson and brother. We are proud of the fact that Alan was prepared to do his duty helping the people of Afghanistan."

His fiancee, Claire Brookshaw, said: "He has been a great part of my life and always will be. Sadly missed but never forgotten."

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Alan Cochran is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen