Family members are beside themselves in a small, central Ohio town after the gravestone of their kin — Army Spc. Gerald Robert “Bub” Jenkins — was damaged on purpose by chipping away at the engraving of his face with the back end of a claw hammer.

Jenkins was just 19 years old when he was killed on October 20, 2010 in Afghanistan, just 11 days from finishing his first tour.

He was buried with military honors at Forest Cemetery in Circleville.

“I can’t believe how sadistic someone can be to do something like this,” Bub’s father, Roger Jenkins said.

Local police are currently investigating the crime.

Anyone with information about who may have damaged the grave is asked to call Circleville police at 740-477-8231.

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