Camp Lejeune Marine drowns off NC coast

Lance Cpl. Esrom R. Joseph, 19, of Scott, La., died Saturday. Camp Lejeune authorities said the drowning is under investigation by the Emerald Isle Police Department as well as the command post.

Joseph was a mortarman with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He joined the Marine Corps in May 2011 and was promoted to his current rank in February 2012.

Joseph was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.