Body of Marine killed in military plane crash returns to NJ

<p>A Marine killed in a military plane crash this month will make his final journey home Monday to New Jersey.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 24, 2017, 11:26 AM

Updated 2,605 days ago

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A Marine killed in a military plane crash earlier this month made his final journey home Monday to New Jersey.
Several motorcycle clubs and veteran organizations escorted the body of 20-year-old Cpl. Dan Baldassare from Dover Air Force Base to a funeral home in Freehold Township.
"He put his life on the line to protect our freedoms and in doing so he gave the ultimate cost so he deserved everything he can get,” says Trenton Marine Corps League commandant Chuck Bitner. “His family deserves the support that he is getting also. It makes it a little bit easier on them."
The Colts Neck resident was one of 16 people killed when a military plane crashed on July 10 in Mississippi.
Neighbor Holly Morgan and her 10-year-old daughter Terri placed flags along the motorcade route.
"I couldn't imagine their pain, and I'll do anything I can to help support them and let them know we are here,” Morgan says. “But we are keeping our distance. It's like giving a big hug without being another body next to them."
The motorcade left Delaware around 10 a.m. and arrived in Freehold Township around 1 p.m.
Funeral services for Baldassare will be held Tuesday at Colts Neck High School’s football field. Following funeral services, Marine Cpl. Dan Baldassare will be laid to rest with full military honors at the General William. C. Doyle New Jersey Veterans Cemetery in Wrightstown.