Washington ( CNN ) -- Some Marine Corps families , mourning a son or daughter killed in action , received an unexpected surprise for the holidays : an ornament of the Purple Heart , a letter addressed to their fallen hero and even information about athletic reconditioning . The Marine Corps was apologizing Tuesday for sending the packages to families of the fallen instead of the Marines wounded in action but still alive . `` There are no words to express how very sorry we are for the hurt such a mistake has caused the families of our fallen warriors , '' said Col. John L. Mayer , commanding officer of the Marines Wounded Warrior Regiment . `` We always strive to honor the sacrifices these Marines , sailors and their families gave to this country . '' Mayer , alerted to the problem when families began phoning in Monday , said there was no excuse for what happened . `` We accept full responsibility for this error and are moving quickly to reach out to the families we have affected , '' he said in a statement . `` This initiative was meant to thank combat-wounded Marines and sailors for their service . '' Mayer is calling some of the families who telephoned after they received the packages in error and all will receive a letter of apology . More than 9,000 were sent out , but 1,150 went out to families of the Marines who had died .
Families of fallen Marines received packages meant for injured veterans . The parcels offered information about athletic reconditioning . Wounded Warrior commander : `` We accept full responsibility for this error '' 1,150 packages went to families of Marines who had died .