A ROYAL Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Sunday has been hailed a hero by his family.
David Marsh, 23, died when the patrol car he was in was blown up in Helmand Province.
David, a former Penistone Grammar School pupil, had recently moved to Somerset with his wife Claire. They have a daughter Molly.
Claire said: "David went through life with a smile on his face. The Marines was his passion, he will always be our hero."
David joined the marines in 2002 and was serving with Charlie Company, 40 Commando as an anti-tank specialist. He was due to return home in the next few weeks.
His parents Maxine and Gary and sister Katie live in Huthwaite Lane, Thurgoland.
Maxine said: "David was a very fine son and brother. He was a loving husband and very proud father. He embraced life to the full and no matter what happened his big smile bore him through.
"He was a dedicated Marine and was proud to serve his country. He was admired by his colleagues for his professionalism and courage. He will be deeply missed."
