Body of Stanton Heights Marine returns to Pittsburgh

The body of a Marine killed in Afghanistan came home to Pittsburgh yesterday, and will be laid to rest this week.

Gunnery Sgt. Justin Schmalstieg, 28, of Stanton Heights was killed in combat Dec. 14 in Helmand Province. His body was taken by police motorcycle escort to McCabe Brothers Funeral Home in Shadyside.

Gov. Ed Rendell ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset Wednesday.

Visitation for Schmalstieg, the son of two Pittsburgh police detectives, will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. today. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church on Shady Avenue.