The 1000th American serviceman killed in Afghanistan had already fallen victim once to a hidden bomb, and was so eager to return to war that he pushed through his rehabilitation.

Cpl. Jacob C. Leicht, a Texas Marine, was serving his second overseas tour. His first one in 2007 lasted only a few weeks after his Humvee drove over an explosive, breaking his leg.

He almost lost that leg, but after two years in an Army hospital recovering, he successfully lobbied to return to the battlefield. Leicht had only been in Afghanistan for a few weeks when he stepped on an explosive and was instantly killed on May 27.

His older brother Jonathan Leicht says Jacob was "someone who knew he wanted to be a soldier from the moment he could speak."

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) _ The 1000th American serviceman killed in Afghanistan had already fallen victim once to a hidden bomb, and was so eager to return to war that he pushed through his rehabilitation.

Cpl. Jacob C. Leicht, a Texas Marine, was serving his second overseas tour. His first one in 2007 lasted only a few weeks after his Humvee drove over an explosive, breaking his leg.

He almost lost that leg, but after two years in an Army hospital recovering, he successfully lobbied to return to the battlefield. Leicht had only been in Afghanistan for a few weeks when he stepped on an explosive and was instantly killed on May 27.

His older brother Jonathan Leicht says Jacob was "someone who knew he wanted to be a soldier from the moment he could speak."