Slain Mo. soldier buried at Jefferson Barracks Friday

ST. LOUIS -- More than 200 family and friends attended funeral services Friday for Pfc. James F. Costello III, who was killed in Iraq earlier this month.

Costello, 27, of Oakville had been in Iraq about four months with his cavalry regiment when an improvised explosive device detonated April 11 near his Bradley fighting vehicle. He and two other soldiers were killed after coming under small-arms fire.

He was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

The oldest of three children, Costello was a 1996 graduate of Oakville Senior High School. He joined the military in 2004.

His grandfather and great-grandfather also served in the cavalry, and he wanted to be part of that. Because he joined in his late 20s, older than most, he took some ribbing about his age from other soldiers. They nicknamed him "Grandpa."

"He joined after 9/11. He knew he was joining an army at war," Brig. Gen. Todd Semonite told the mourners at the cemetery. "Every single day, Jamie was out talking to the people, letting the kids go to school, letting them have essential services, letting them have a chance at democracy."

Army officials presented Costello's family with a good conduct medal, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Postal workers parked 22 mail delivery trucks onto the shoulder and waved small American flags in tribute as the hearse carrying Costello's flag-draped coffin made its way to the cemetery.

The Rev. Gary M. Gebelein called Costello a dedicated soldier. He recounted how, in telephone calls home, Costello would tell family and friends that the town his squadron was assigned to protect, Saba al Bor, was calm. "There's not enough action," he would say. "I want to do more for my country."