I put off adding another page to this section of my site in the hopes our troops would be home by now
and no more would die.
I must start with a soldier who died last year but was only announced today. It was an oversight in the
publishing of those who died.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom. A review of records revealed the omission of news releases for this soldier.
Staff Sgt. Robert K. McGee, 38, of Martinsville, Va., died June 30, in Manila, Republic of the
Philippines, of non-combat related injuries. McGee was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st
Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Sgt. 1st Class Pedro A. Munoz, 47, of Aquada, Puerto Rico, died Jan. 2 in Shindand, Afghanistan,
of injuries sustained Jan. 1 when his patrol encountered enemy fire. Munoz was assigned to the
1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Sgt. Jeremy R. Wright, 31, of Shelbyville, Ind., died Jan. 3 in Asadabad, Afghanistan, when his
military vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Wright was assigned to the 2nd Battalion,
1st Special Forces Group Fort Lewis, Wash
February 15, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Spc. Richard M. Crane, 25, of Independence, Mo., died Feb. 8, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of non-
combat related injuries. Crane was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 325th Field Hospital,
Independence, Mo.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
February 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Cmdr Adrian B. Szwec, 43, of Chicago, Ill., died April 12, 2004, of a non-combat related
incident. Szwec was assigned to Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
Insurgent Attack Wounds U.S. Servicemember
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2005 -- A U.S. servicemember was wounded Feb. 24 when a vehicle
filled with insurgents fired on coalition forces in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military
officials there reported today.
The military said coalition forces were investigating an improvised explosive device when they came
under small-arms fire from a passing vehicle.
The soldier was reported in stable condition at the Kandahar Airfield hospital.
In a separate incident, five Afghan security force personnel were injured Feb . 24 when their
vehicle was ambushed near a border checkpoint in Khost province. Afghan security forces
returned fire and pursued the insurgents, killing three insurgents and injuring one.
The injured Afghan security force members were taken to a coalition hospital at Forward
Operating Base Salerno and treated for their injuries. Three were reported in stable condition; the
other two were treated and released. No coalition forces were injured in the attack.
Hours later, two coalition helicopters surveying the ambush area received small-arms fire. One
helicopter returned fire, killing seven more attackers.
(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.)
March 14, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Petty Officer First Class Alec Mazur, 35, of Vernon, N.Y., died Mar. 9, in a non-combat related
incident in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Mazur was assigned to Underwater
Construction Team One (UCT-1), under operational control of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces
Central Command.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
March 17, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Shane M. Koele, 25, of Wayne, Neb., died Mar. 16 at Shindand Airfield, Afghanistan,
from injuries sustained Mar. 15 in Shindand, Afghanistan, when a land mine exploded near his
HMMWV. Koele was assigned to the 212th Military Police Company, Kitzingen, Germany.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
March 29, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom. They died March 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan, when a mine detonated near their
military vehicle. The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard’s 76th Infantry Brigade
(Separate), Indianapolis, Ind.
Killed were:
Capt. Michael T. Fiscus, 36, of Milford, Ind.
Master Sgt. Michael T. Hiester, 33, of Bluffton, Ind.
Spc. Brett M. Hershey, 23, of State College, Penn.
Spc. Norman K. Snyder, 21, of Carlisle, Ind.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
April 05, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
They died March 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan, when a mine detonated near their military vehicle. The
soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard’s 76th Infantry Brigade (Separate),
Indianapolis, Ind.
Killed were:
Capt. Michael T. Fiscus, 36, of Milford, Ind.
Master Sgt. Michael T. Hiester, 33, of Bluffton, Ind.
Spc. Brett M. Hershey, 23, of State College, Penn.
Spc. Norman K. Snyder, 21, of Carlisle, Ind.
April 11, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualties and Soldiers as Whereabouts Unknown
The Department of Defense announced the death of eight Soldiers and the identity of six Soldiers
listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) who were supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom. The soldiers died or became unaccounted for on April 6 in Ghanzi, Afghanistan, when the
CH-47 helicopter they were on crashed.
Killed were:
Maj. Edward J. Murphy, 36, of South Carolina. Murphy was assigned to the U.S. Army Southern
European Task Force, Camp Ederle, Italy.
Chief Warrant Officer David Ayala, 24, of New York, N.Y. Ayala was assigned to the 5th Battalion,
159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany.
Chief Warrant Officer Clint J. Prather, 32, of Cheney, Wash. Prather was assigned to the 5th
Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Gielbelstadt, Germany.
Master Sgt. Edwin A. Matoscolon, 42, of Juana Diaz, P.R. Matoscolon was assigned to Division
Artillery, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Staff Sgt. Charles R. Sanders Jr., 29, of Charleston, Mo. Sanders was assigned to the 5th
Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany.
Spc. Daniel J. Freeman, 20, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Freeman was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
508th Infantry Regiment, Camp Ederle, Italy.
Spc. Chrystal G. Stout, 23, of Travelers Rest, S.C. Stout was assigned to the Army National
Guard's 228th Signal Brigade, Spartanburg, S.C.
Pfc. Pendelton L. Sykes II, 25, of Chesapeake, Va. Sykes was assigned to the 5th Battalion,
159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany.
Reported as DUSTWUN are:
Capt. David S. Connolly, 37, of Boston, Mass. Connolly is assigned to the Army Reserve’s 1173rd
Transportation Terminal Battalion, Brockton, Mass.
Sgt. Maj. Barbaralien Banks, 41, of Harvey, La. Banks is assigned to Division Artillery, 25th
Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Staff Sgt. Romanes L. Woodard, 30, of Hertford, N.C. Woodard is assigned to the 1st Battalion,
508th Infantry Regiment, Camp Ederle, Italy.
Sgt. Stephen C. High, 45, of Spartanburg, S.C. High is assigned to the Army National Guard's
228th Signal Brigade, Spartanburg, S.C.
Spc. Michael K. Spivey, 21, of Fayetteville, N.C. Spivey is assigned to the 5th Battalion, 159th
Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany.
Spc. Sascha Struble, 20, of Philadelphia, N.Y. Struble is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th
Infantry Regiment, Camp Ederle, Italy.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
April 12, 2005
Sgt. James S. Lee, 26, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., died April 6 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, when the Army CH-
47 helicopter he was on crashed. He was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142, Marine
Aircraft Group 42, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marietta, Ga. As part of Operation Enduring Freedom he
was attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 42, 4th
Marine Aircraft Wing.
April 18, 2005
DoD Announces Change-in-Status of Army Soldiers
The Department of Defense announced today the death of six soldiers previously listed as Duty
Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The
soldiers had become unaccounted for on April 6 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, when the CH-47 helicopter
they were on crashed. Their remains have since been identified.
Killed were:
Capt. David S. Connolly, 37, of Boston, Mass. Connolly was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 1173rd
Transportation Terminal Battalion, Brockton, Mass.
Sgt. Maj. Barbaralien Banks, 41, of Harvey, La. Banks was assigned to the Division Artillery, 25th
Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Staff Sgt. Romanes L. Woodard, 30, of Hertford, N.C. Woodard was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
508th Infantry Regiment, Camp Ederle, Italy.
Sgt. Stephen C. High, 45, of Spartanburg, S.C. High was assigned to the Army National Guard's
228th Signal Brigade, Spartanburg, S.C.
Spc. Michael K. Spivey, 21, of Fayetteville, N.C. Spivey was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 159th
Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany.
Cpl. Sascha Struble, 20, of Philadelphia, N.Y. Struble was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th
Infantry Regiment, Camp Ederle, Italy.
The incident remains under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
May 01, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Pvt. Robert C. White III, 21, of Camden, N.J., died April 23 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of
non-combat related injuries. White was assigned to the 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th
Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Provisional), Fort Lewis, Wash.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Robert W. Defazio, 21, of West Babylon, N.Y., died April 24 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of non-
combat related injuries. Defazio was assigned to the 23rd Ordnance Company, Miesau,
Germany.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Sgt.1st Class Allen C. Johnson, 31, of Los Molinos, Calif., died April 26 in Khanaqin, Afghanistan,
of injuries sustained when enemy forces using small arms fire attacked his patrol. Johnson was
assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
May 11, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Cpl. Richard P. Schoener, 22, of Hayes, La., died May 8 in Alishang, Afghanistan, while
conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd
Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs Office at
(808) 257-8840.
May 16, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas C. Kirven, 21, of Richmond, Va., was killed May 8 as a result of enemy action
in Alishang, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd
Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force,
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs Office at
(808) 257-8840.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
May 25, 2005
Pfc. Steven C. Tucker, 19, of Grapevine, Texas, died May 21, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries
sustained near Shinkay, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
HMMWV. Tucker was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd
Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Pfc. Kyle M. Hemauer, 21, of Manassas, Va., died in Afghanistan, of non-combat related injuries.
Hemauer was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment,
29th Infantry Division, Manassas, Va.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
June 06, 2005
The Department of Defense announced the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom.
They were killed on June 3 at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E in Afghanistan when their convoy
vehicle was struck by an improvised expolsive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion,
7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
The soldiers are:
Staff Sgt. Leroy E. Alexander, 27, of Dale City, Va.
Cpt. Charles D. Robinson, 29, of Haddon Heights, N. J.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
June 13,2005
Sgt. Michael J. Kelley, 26, of Scituate, Mass., died June 8 in Shkin, Afghanistan, when his
helicopter landing zone came under enemy fire. Kelley was assigned to the Army National
Guard's 101st Field Artillery Battalion, Rehoboth, Mass.
Sgt. First Class Victor H. Cervantes, 27, of Stockton, Calif., died June 10 in Orgun-e,
Afghanistan, when he came under small arms fire while on patrol. Cervantes was assigned to the
Army's 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
June 28, 2005
Maj. Duane W. Dively, 43, of Rancho California, Calif., died June 22 in Southwest Asia, in the
crash of a U-2 aircraft. Dively had completed flying a mission and was returning to his base when
the crash occurred. He was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force
Base, Calif.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
For further information, please contact the 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs Office at Beale Air
Force Base, (530) 634-8891.
