Ruth and Karl Price said their son put God first, was unassuming and shied away from praises like being called a “hero.”

A 27-year-old Marine and native of Holland, Michigan, on his sixth deployment in the region, was killed in hostile action in Afghanistan on Sunday.

Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Price joined the Marines in 2003. He served three tours in Iraq and was on his third tour in Afghanistan, his parents Ruth and Karl told 24 Hour News 8.

Price and Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford were killed July 29 around 10:40 a.m. Afghanistan time while conducting combat operations in Badghis province Afghanistan, the US Marines said in a release. They were both assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, based at Camp Pendleton, California.  (Editor’s Note:  You can read the official Marine Corps Times Newspaper story here.)

Ruth and Karl Price said their son put God first, was unassuming and shied away from praises like being called a “hero.”

Price excelled as a Marine, moving up quickly through the ranks, soon earning a spot as a member of the special operations forces.

“He was very driven, very driven and that’s the only way you succeed and get to the point where he was,” said Karl Price.

His parents said he was a strong Christian who relied on his faith. He was awarded a Bronze Star with V for valor, and a Purple Heart after he was shot in the kneecap in July 2011. He was also awarded three Combat Action Ribbons and three Good Conduct Medals.

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(Editor’s Note:  Staff at the Escondido URC church report that the widow was present for the return of Gunnery Sgt. Price remains Wednesday morning and that plans for burial and funeral/memorial service remain pending.)