SAILOR KILLED IN IRAQ
SEAL was son of Coudersport man
A Navy SEAL who was killed in combat Monday in Iraq has connections to Coudersport. Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Koch, 29, was slain by small-arms fire during anti-insurgent operations, the Navy announced Tuesday.

Koch's parents are Air Force veteran Donald Koch of Coudersport and Jean Ann Burkholder of Corinth, Texas, both natives of Jersey Shore.

CPO Koch was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

His brother, Matthew, has been working with U.S. contractors in Iraq. A Navy veteran, Matthew accompanied his brother's body back to Virginia Beach on Tuesday.

Michael Koch was born on an Air Force base in Omaha, Neb. He leaves behind his fi- ancee, Kathy Howell of Virginia Beach.

Koch enlisted in the Navy in July 1998 and entered SEAL training the following January. He earned the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.