Guide Note: Crescent Security Group is a member of the Private Security Company Association of Iraq. In November, 2006, five civilian contractors working for Crescent Security Group in Iraq were kidnapped and held hostage. Sixteen months later in March, 2008, severed fingers of the hostages were sent to U.S. officials, prompting speculation that they might still be alive. Soon after the fingers were recovered, the remains of the John Roy Young and Ronald Withrow (who did not work for Crescent) were discovered. Fast Facts:

1. Crescent Security Group based in Kuwait
2. Hostages: John Roy Young; Jonathon Cote; Joshua Munns; Paul Reuben; Bert Nussbaumer
3. Kidnapped: November 16, 2006
4. Severed fingers reported on March 13, 2008
5. DNA tests confirmed the fingers belonged to the hostages
6. John Roy Young's remains found March 24, 2008