Wesley Wells

Wells, an infantryman, was a vehicle gunner on a mounted patrol and died when his vehicle came under enemy fire.

Family members this morning declined to comment on Wells' death, but did issue a brief statement.

"We all knew that it was a very dangerous place, and we all prayed for his safe return, but this was not to be," family members said. "Wesley paid the ultimate price while serving his country."

Wells is survived by his wife Jonalyn, who was headed today for her late husband's home in Illinois, family members said. Other survivors include Wells' mother, Joan Wells, who works at the Grayslake branch office of the Lake County Circuit Court in northeastern Illinois. Wesley Wells' two older sisters, Heather and Tiffany Wells, live in Grayslake, Ill.