US Army Sergeant Noah Korte killed by blast in Paktia province

US Army Sergeant Noah M. Korte, from California, was one of three soldiers serving with the Texas-based 89th Military Police Brigade killed on 27th December 2011, when a bomb detonated while he was on combat operations in Paktia.

29-year-old Sgt. Korte joined the Army in 2003 and deployed to Afghanistan earlier this month. He served three tours of duty in Iraq — from January to April 2004, March 2005 to February 2006 and September 2007 to December 2008. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations included four Army Commendation medals, two Good Conduct ribbons, the National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

The other two soldiers killed were: Spc Kurt Kern and Pfc Justin Whitmire.

US Army Spc. Kurt Kern killed by bomb blast in Paktia

US Army Specialist Kurt W. Kern, from Texas, was killed on 27th December 2011 when a bomb detonated while he was on combat operations in Paktia.

24-year-old Spc. Kern was one of three soldiers serving with the Texas-based 89th Military Police Brigade killed in the incident. He had been in Afghanistan for less than one month.

Spc. Kern, a McAllen Memorial graduate, joined the armed forces in September 2009 as a military police officer after studying at the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin.

Spc. Kern's older brother, Keith, told local news reporters that his brother was "proud to be a soldier and really loved his job. Ever since he was little, he wanted to be a soldier. He finally went for it and loved it." His family said later that Spc. Kern had been "so intent on serving his country, that when his original deployment was canceled, he volunteered to deploy with another unit."

The other two soldiers killed were: Sergeant Noah Korte and Pfc Justin Whitmire.

US Army Pfc. Justin Whitmire killed by bomb blast in Paktia

US Army Private 1st Class Justin M. Whitmire, from South Carolina, was killed on 27th December 2011 when a bomb detonated while he was on combat operations in Paktia.

20-year-old Pfc. Whitmire was one of three soldiers serving with the Texas-based 89th Military Police Brigade killed in the incident.

He had been in Afghanistan for just 19 days, his family told local news reporters. His father, Donnie Whitmire, said: "Justin was a 20 year old who loved to fish and had big plans for when he returned to Simpsonville. He said when I get back I have money to buy a brand new boat and go fishing all the time."

Pfc. Whitmire graduated from Hillcrest High School last year where he was on the debate team. Family members say he had offers to go to Harvard University but decided to join the military instead.

The other two soldiers killed were: Sergeant Noah Korte and Specialist Kurt Kern.

Three US soldiers killed by bomb blast in Paktia

Three US soldiers serving with 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, based at Fort Hood, Texas, were killed in action on 27th December 2011 when a bomb exploded beside their patrol unit in Paktia.

The three were identified as:

Sergeant Noah M. Korte

Specialist Kurt W. Kern

Private 1st Class Justin M. Whitmire

Click the relevant links above to read about each individual.

Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, Royal Air Force

British Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, aged 34, died on 23rd December 2011 after the vehicle he was in struck a roadside bomb during an operation south of Kabul.

Squadron Leader Downing had been seriously wounded in the blast and was flown back to the UK where sadly, he died of his wounds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. His family were with him when he died.

Known as Ant, Squadron Leader Downing was, by trade, an Engineering Officer in the Royal Air Force. His unassuming and modest demeanour belied a hugely professional officer and an extremely determined individual. His generous nature and interest in Afghanistan and her people, led to his intimate involvement in the planning and subsequent conduct of outreach patrols.

Ant was professionally respected and hugely appreciated for his skills, and built a strong rapport with the Afghan soldiers and their British mentors; his loss is felt greatly among both. He leaves behind his parents, a brother, a girlfriend and a dedicated following of friends, with whom this great loss is shared.

Killed in the same incident was Royal Marines Captain Tom Jennings

Royal Marines Commando Captain Tom Jennings

British Royal Marines Commando Captain Tom Jennings was killed on 22nd December 2011 when the vehicle he was travelling in struck an explosive device whilst on an operation to the south of Kabul.

Capt Jennings, aged 29, was a true leader, selfless in his professional approach serving those who were his responsibility. Dedicated and humble, he was an archetypal Royal Marine with a keen sense of humour even when faced with adversity. Whilst working with the Afghan forces that he partnered, he displayed empathy and a broad cultural understanding that ensured he was highly valued by the Afghans as well as his Royal Marine brothers.

He was devoted to his wife and their two young sons whose loss cannot be portrayed in words. The Royal Marines have lost a brother, they have lost their world.

Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, Royal Air Force, was also killed in the same incident.

French Foreign Legion CWO Mohammed El Gharrafi

French Foreign Legion Chief Warrant Officer Mohammed El Gharrafi, age 39, was one of two Legionnaires killed by an Afghan soldier on 29th December 2011 in Kapisa.

The two non-commissioned officers, serving with the 2nd Foreign Engineering Regiment (2e REG), belonged to a French Mountain Commando Group. The attack took place during a joint French-Afghan operation in the Alassa Bedraou valley. A rogue Afghan National Army soldier shot and killed the two French Legionnaires.

CWO El Gharrafi joined the Foreign Legion in December 1992. After his initial training in the 4th Foreign Regiment, he joined the 1st Foreign Engineering Regiment. In 1996 he began a two-year deployment with the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment in French Guiana. In 1999, he volunteered to serve in the 2nd Foreign Engineering Regiment and was involved in the formation of a Mountain Commando Group. He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer on 1 December 2011.

CWO El Gharrafi had deployed on several overseas operations: Bosnia, Tajikistan, Guyana, Lebanon, Djibouti. He deployed to Afghanistan in September.

He leaves a wife and four children.

The other Legionnaire killed was: Sergeant Damien Zingarelli

Two French Foreign Legionnaires killed in action in Kapisa

Two non-commissioned officers of the French Foreign Legion were killed on 29th December 2011 during a joint French-Afghan operation in Kapisa. The two NCOs were shot and killed by a rogue Afghan Army soldier.

The Legionnaires have been named as CWO Mohammed El Gharrafi with 19 years of military service experience, and Sergeant Damien Zingarelli. Both served with 2e REG (Foreign Engineering Regiment).

US Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Altmann killed in action on 25 December

Hawaii-based US Army Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Altmann, was killed in action on 25th December 2011 during an enemy attack using small arms on his unit in Kunar province.

27-year-old Staff Sgt. Altmann, a combat medic from Marshfield, Wisconsin, served with the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. He had previously on two combat missions in Iraq.

According to a news report on JSOnline, he married in February and re-enlisted in the Army in October for another four years of service. He expected to return home by March.

More information to follow.

Polish Army Sergeant Zbigniew Biskup

Polish Sergeant Zbigniew Biskup died in the Intensive Care Unit of a Polish military hospital in Ghazni on 22nd December 2011. His cause of death is being investigated by Polish doctors but it was not connected to combat operations.

35-year-old Sgt. Biskup had been in Afghanistan for over two months. This was his fourth foreign mission. Previously he had served in Iraq from July 2005 to March 2006 and January to August 2008. He had also served in Afghanistan from May to November 2010. He was a senior helicopter technician with the 7th Air-Assault Group.

He leaves behind his wife and a son.

British Royal Air Force serviceman dies from bomb injuries

Squadron Leader Anthony Downing from the Royal Air Force died on Friday 23rd December 2011 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The serviceman was seriously wounded when his vehicle was caught in an explosion south of Kabul on Thursday 22nd December. He was flown back to the UK where sadly, he died from his wounds. Captain Tom Jennings, Royal Marines, was killed in the same incident.

US Army Spc. Mikayla Bragg

US Army Specialist Mikayla A. Bragg, was killed in Khowst province on 21st December 2011. According to local news reports, she was shot and killed while on duty in a guard tower.

21-year-old Spc. Bragg, from Longview, Washington, served with the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Knox, Kentucky. 

She joined the Army after graduating from Mark Morris High School in 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in August this year.

She leaves behind her mother Sheyanne Baker, father Steve Bragg, step-mother Amber Bragg, sister Kandyce Bragg, half-brother Allen Davids and half-siblings Joseph Bragg and Ariel, Darien and Julian DeForge.

British Royal Marine Commando killed by bomb blast

British Royal Marine Commando, Captain Tom Jennings, was killed in action on Thursday 22nd December 2011 after the vehicle in which he was travelling was caught in an explosion south of Kabul.

Polish Army Warrant Officer Piotr Ciesielski

33-year-old Polish Army Jr Ensign (1st Warrant Officer) Piotr Ciesielski, was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2005. This was his first overseas combat deployment.

WO Ciesielski, who leaves his wife and two daughters, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Junior Ensign (1st Warrant Officer).

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marek Tomala, Marcin Szczurowski and Lukasz Krawiec, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

Polish Army Sergeant Lukasz Krawiec

30-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Lukasz Krawiec, was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2007. This was his second overseas combat deployment.

Sgt Szczurowski, a bachelor, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marek Tomala, Marcin Szczurowski and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

Polish Army Sergeant Marcin Szczurowski

30-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Marcin Szczurowski, was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2003. This was his first overseas combat deployment. 

Sgt Szczurowski, who leaves behind his wife and two daughters, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marek Tomala, Lukasz Krawiec and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

Polish Army Sergeant Marek Tomala

25-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Marek Tomala was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2006. This was his third combat deployment. Sgt Tomala, who leaves behind his wife and daughter, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Krystian Banach, Marcin Szczurowski, Lukasz Krawiec and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

Polish Army Sergeant Krystian Banach

22-year-old Polish Army Sergeant Krystian W Banach was one of five Polish soldiers killed in action on 21st December 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a road bomb. He was in a joint Polish American convoy heading for Rawza, eastern Ghazni, when the attack happened.

He served with the 20 Mechanised Brigade Bartoszycka and had been in the Polish Army since 2008. This was his first combat mission. Sgt Banach was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The other soldiers killed were named as: Marek Tomala, Marcin Szczurowski, Lukasz Krawiec and Piotr Ciesielski, all members of the 20th Mechanised Brigade.

Five Polish soldiers killed by bomb blast in Ghazni province

Five Polish soldiers were killed on 21st December 2011 in Ghazni province when an insurgent bomb was detonated beside their patrol. The soldiers, serving with the 20th Mechanized Brigade of Bartoszyce were specialists from a provincial reconstruction team. They were travelling in an armored vehicle when the bomb exploded.

They were immediately evacuated by helicopter to a military field hospital.

Polish spokesman Jacek Sonta said in Warsaw that the soldiers were in a convoy headed to Rawza, in eastern Ghazni province, when it struck the bomb.

The five soldiers (all were posthumously promoted) have been named as:
Sergeant Krystian Banach
Sergeant Marek Tomala
Sergeant Marcin Szczurowski
Sergeant Lukasz Krawiec
Warrant Officer Piotr Ciesielski

US Marine Reserve Major Sam Griffith

US Marines Major Sam Griffith was killed in action in Afghanistan by enemy fire while on a routine patrol. 36-year-old Major Griffith served with the 4th Anglico, an air naval gunfire company based in West Palm Beach. The Marine Reservist was on his third deployment to Afghanistan.

Military officials confirmed his death on Wednesday but did not say how he died. Lt. Col. Aaron Marx, inspector instructor at 4th Anglico, taking to CBS12 News, said this about Major Griffith: "He was extremely proficient at his job, one of the best I've ever known," Marx said, adding that he was a "deeply committed family man."

Major Griffith leaves behind his wife Casey and two young sons. He lived in Virginia Beach with his family.

US Army Private Jalfred Vaquerano

20-year-old US Army Private Jalfred D. Vaquerano, died on 13th December 2011 in a military hospital at Landstuhl, Germany, from injuries received in Logar province when enemy forces opened fire on his unit.

Pvt. Vaquerano, from Apopka, Florida, served with the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

More information to follow.

US Army Sergeant Christopher Muniz killed in action in Kunar

US Army 25th Infantry Sergeant Christopher L. Muniz was killed in action in Kunar province on 11th December 2011 when an insurgent bomb exploded while he was on patrol with his unit.

24-year-old Sgt. Muniz, from New Cuyama, California, served with the Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in November 2008 as a Signal Intelligence Analyst and was on his first overseas deployment.

Sgt. Muniz’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Posthumous Awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Also killed in the same incident was Spc. Ronald H. Wildrick Jr, also of the 25th Infantry.

US Army Specialist Ronald Wildrick Jr killed in action in Kunar

US Army 25th Infantry Specialist Ronald H. Wildrick Jr. was killed in action in Kunar province on 11th December 2011 when an insurgent bomb exploded while he was on patrol with his unit.

30-year-old Spc. Wildrick, from Blairstown, New Jersey, served with the Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in June 2008 as an Infantryman. This was his first overseas deployment. He was married with two daughters.

Spc. Wildrick’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Basic Parachutist Badge. Posthumous awards include Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Also killed in the same incident was Sgt. Christopher L. Muniz, also of the 25th Infantry.

Funeral of Queen's Dragoons Guards officer Lt. David Boyce

The funeral of fallen hero Lieutenant David Boyce from 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards took place at Bath Abbey. Lt. Boyce was killed in Helmand province by an insurgent bomb on 17th November 2011. The service was followed by a private cremation at Haycombe Cemetery.

US Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Jacob Levy

US Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Jacob Levy, from Ramseur, North Carolina, died on 10th December 2011 in a US military hospital in Germany. He was shot by a sniper while on patrol in Helmand province on Wednesday 7th December and had been evacuated to Germany.

21-year-old LCpl Levy, serving with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, had volunteered for this deployment, his second tour in Afghanistan.

LCpl Levy's stepfather, Kevin Sheek, told local news reporters: "Jacob died doing a job he was willing to die for. He was an awesome man and an awesome Marine." He went on to say that LCpl Levy was an organ donor and, "there will be triumph through the tragedy. Other people will live because Jacob laid his life down."

LCpl Levy leaves behind his mother Amanda Sheek, father Christopher Alan Levy, stepfather Kevin Sheek and three brothers, Payne Sheek (14), Elijah Sheek (9) and Thunder Levy (11).

NZ Paratroop Private John Howard

The family of Private John "Jack" Howard, from Wellington, New Zealand, had his ashes interred in Karori cemetery in Wellington on Friday 9th December 2011.

Private Howard was killed while on patrol in Nad-e Ali District, Helmand province on 5th December 2010. He was serving with the British Army's 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3PARA) at the time.

Private Howard's body was flown back to England where his family was waiting, before being flown to Wellington for his funeral last year. His ashes were marked with a white marble headstone bearing the Parachute Regiment seal, the New Zealand Sunday Star Times reported.

New Zealand's Channel 3 News reported that notebooks kept by Private Howard were returned to his family after his death, and revealed a number of close calls on the battlefield. A week before his death, he was shot through his backpack. The bullet narrowly missed him.

Private Howard's death in Afghanistan is believed to have been caused by 'friendly-fire' during a U.S. airstrike by a jet on a ‘strafing run'.

His funeral last year, at Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul, included an honour guard of traditional Maori warriors while comrades from his regiment carried his Union Jack draped coffin.

British Royal Engineers Sapper Elijah Bond

British Army Sapper Elijah Cooper Bond, age 24, died on 8th December 2011 at the Queen Elizabeth NHS Hospital, in Birmingham, UK, after being evacuated from Afghanistan. He had been injured in a bomb blast during a reconnaissance patrol in the Deh Adham Khan region of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province on 6th December 2011.

Sapper Bond was born in Havant, Hampshire and grew up in St Austell, Cornwall. He joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in August 2008. After two years of extensive training he joined 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron, a part of 35 Engineer Regiment based in Paderborn, Germany, in September 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Copsey, Commanding Officer, 35 Engineer Regiment, said: "Sapper Elijah Bond will be sadly missed by his close-knit Troop and Squadron. His lively and outgoing nature was founded on an inner confidence that saw him excel during his time in the Royal Engineers. He was a rising star within his Squadron and he had a bright future ahead of him."

The Family of Sapper Bond made this statement: "Elijah Cooper Bond left the world in the way he chose to live his life. He was a beautiful son, amazing brother, a proud uncle and our best friend. From a wicked grin to a righteous smile he could light up a room as much as he lit up our lives, so mischievous and fun yet grounded and down to earth. He will forever be a piece of us and remain in our hearts."

Sapper Bond leaves behind his mother, Lizz and father, Mark, sisters, Kimberley and Bethany and brothers, Isaac and Jose.

US Army Specialist Christopher Mendonca

US Army Specialist Christopher Luis Mendonca died in a vehicle accident near Binghampton, New York, on Sunday 4th December 2011 while he was home on leave from Afghanistan.

20-year-old Spc. Mendonca, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment based at Fort Carson, Colorado. He had graduated from Holbrook High School, in Massachusetts and had wanted to be a State Trooper after he completed his Army service.

Spc. Mendonca leaves behind his parents Domingas and Luis Mendonca, his wife Kasey, brother Joseph, maternal grandmother, Ana Gomes and his paternal grandmother, Justina Mendonca.

Funeral details for Leeds soldier killed in Afghanistan

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the funeral of British soldier Rifleman Sheldon Steel, who was killed in action during a patrol in Afghanistan on 27th November 2011, will be held next week.

The service for the 20-year-old will take place on Thursday, 15th December, at St Peter’s Church in Bramley, close to where he grew up.

The funeral will be held at 10am at St Peter’s Church, followed by a burial at Armley Hill Top Cemetery at 11.30am.

Only family are asked to give flowers but guests are welcome to make donations to the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and the Battalion’s own charity.

Putty-filled boots could save lives in Afghanistan

Soldiers fighting in Afghanistan could soon be equipped with boots that have putty filled soles to deflect the blast from roadside bombs.

The protective boots are just one project being worked on at the Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies, which yesterday opened at Imperial College in London.

Read full story at Mail Online

British soldier dies in UK from wounds received in Afghan bomb blast

A British soldier serving with 35 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, died in the UK earlier today, Thursday, 8th December 2011, as a result of wounds he sustained on operations in Afghanistan.

Serving with the Task Force Helmand Engineer Group, the soldier was a member of a team which was in the Deh Adham Khan region of Nahr-e Saraj (North) in Central Helmand when he was caught in a blast from an improved explosive device on Tuesday, 6th December 2011.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, said: "His colleagues provided immediate first aid before he was evacuated by helicopter to the military hospital in Camp Bastion where he received further medical attention. He was then flown under the care of a Critical Care Air Support Team to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where, tragically, he succumbed to his wounds surrounded by members of his family."

The soldier has been named as Sapper Elijah Bond - click here for full report

US Army Specialist Thomas Mayberry

21-year-old US Army infantryman, Specialist Thomas J. Mayberry from California, was one of three American soldiers killed in action when their patrol was hit by the blast of an insurgent bomb on 3rd December 2011. The incident happened in Wardak province.

Spc. Mayberry served with the Texas-based 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in January 2009 and had been based in South Korea before transferring to Fort Bliss, Texas.

The other soldiers killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Clark Corley Jr, and Spc. Ryan Lumley

More information to follow.

US Army Specialist Ryan Lumley

21-year-old US Army infantryman, Specialist Ryan M. Lumley from Florida, was one of three American soldiers killed in action when their patrol was hit by the blast of an insurgent bomb on 3rd December 2011. The incident happened in Wardak province.

Spc. Lumley served with the Texas-based 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in March 2009.

The other soldiers killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Clark Corley Jr, and Spc. Thomas Mayberry.

More information to follow.

US Army Sergeant Ryan Sharp

28-year-old US Army Sergeant Ryan D. Sharp, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, died at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, on 3rd December 2011 from injuries he received when a bomb exploded while he was on an evening reconnaissance patrol in Kandahar province on 21st November 2011.

Sgt. Sharp served with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas. According to local news reports he was on his third and final combat tour for the US Army. His aunt, Lisa Pardonnet, told Idaho’s news channel 7 that Sgt. Sharp's legs, shoulder and head were injured in the explosion. Doctors in Afghanistan induced a coma and then transferred him to Germany for treatment.

Among relatives that he leaves behind are his two young daughters, 6-year-old Mia and 8-year-old Sarah.

US Military fatalities Afghanistan - November 2011

List of U.S Military fatalities - November 2011 in Afghanistan

NOV
Date	Name	Rank	Age	Unit
30-Nov	Bell, Vincent J.	Staff Sgt.	28	2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment
26-Nov	Buyes, Adam J.	Corporal	21	3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division
21-Nov	Murray, Dennis R.	Sgt. 1st	38	2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment
21-Nov	Reiff, Zachary C.	Corporal	22	3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment
21-Nov	Diener II, Jackie L.	Private	20	10th Mountain
18-Nov	Corral, Joshua D.	L-Cpl.	19	3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment
18-Nov	Dobereiner, Adam	Pfc.	21	8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade
16-Nov	Walsh, Sean M.	Spc.	21	185th Military Police Battalion
16-Nov	Burnett, James Jr.	Spc.	21	1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment
16-Nov	Colin, Matthew C.	Pfc.	22	1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment
13-Nov	McCain, Johnathan B.	Sgt. 1st	38	1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment
12-Nov	Pereda, Calvin	Spc.	21	1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment
11-Nov	Hall, James E Jr.	Spc.	27	Army
11-Nov	Rushing, Theodore B.	Pfc.	25	3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment
09-Nov	Norris, Cody R.	Private	20	2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment
05-Nov	Daniels, Nickolas A.	L-Cpl.	25	3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, Marine Corps
01-Nov	Butcher, Sarina N.	Pfc.	19	Oklahoma National Guard
01-Nov	Gailey, Christopher D.	Spc.	26	Oklahoma National Guard

United States military fatalities 2011

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October |

November | December 

Three NATO soldiers killed in bomb blast

Three NATO soldiers were killed on 3rd December 2011 in a roadside bombing in Wardak province, eastern Afghanistan. The announcement by NATO did not provide further detail about the exact location of the blast or the nationality of the soldiers killed.

The three soldiers, all serving with the US Army 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, have been identified as:

Sergeant 1st Class Clark Corley Jr
Specialist Thomas J. Mayberry
Specialist Ryan M. Lumley

US Marine Staff Sergeant Vincent Bell

US Marine Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell, was killed on 30th November 2011 during combat operations in Helmand province.

28-year-old Sgt. Bell, from Detroit, Michigan, joined the Marine Corps in 2001 after graduating from high school and was on his second combat deployment when he was killed. He had previously served in Iraq.

He was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

US Army Sergeant 1st Class Dennis Murray

US Army Sergeant 1st Class Dennis R. Murray, from Red Broiling Springs, Tennessee, was killed in action on 21st November 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated in Kandahar province.

38-year-old Sgt. Murray was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas. He joined the Army in September 1991 as an armored crew member. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

British Army Rifleman Sheldon Steel killed in action

British Army Rifleman Sheldon Lee Jordan Steel, from 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES), was killed in action on 27th November 2011 during a foot patrol in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province. He was caught in the blast from an insurgent bomb.

20-year-old Rifleman Steel, from Leeds, joined the Army in November 2009 and completed his training in April 2010. He then joined 5 RIFLES based at Paderborn, Germany. He underwent extensive training on the Warrior armoured fighting vehicle and took part in a six-week, vehicle-mounted exercise in Canada in late 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Copinger-Symes, Commanding Officer 5 RIFLES, said: "Rifleman Sheldon Steel was a special blend of physical robustness, sharp intellect, old-fashioned politeness, and natural leadership flair – all underscored by a quiet confidence and understated ambition."

Rifleman Steel leaves behind his mother Victoria, sisters Cody and Carys and brother Kameron.

US Marine Corporal Adam Buyes

US Marine Corporal Adam J. Buyes died on 26th November 2011 in Helmand province during combat operations.

21-year-old Cpl Buyes, from Salem, Oregon, was serving with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based at Okinawa, Japan. The US Department of Defense announced that the incident leading to his death is being investigated.

More information to follow.

British Fallen Heroes return to UK

US 10th Mountain Private Jackie Diener II

20-year-old US Army 10th Mountain Division Private Jackie L. Diener II, was killed in action on 21st November 2011 in Kandahar province during an exchange of fire with enemy forces.

Pvt. Diener, from Boyne City, Michigan, served with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment. He joined the Army in March this year and transferred to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, in July. He deployed to Afghanistan in September.

Pvt. Diener's grandmother, Donna Diener, told reporters that he was eager to join the military. "This is something he chose. He wanted to do it. He wanted to serve his country."

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Army Combat Action Badge.

US Marine Corporal Zachary Reiff

US Marine Corporal Zachary C. Reiff died on Monday 21st November 2011 at a German hospital from injuries he received in a bomb explosion while on patrol in Helmand province three days previously.

22-year-old Cpl. Reiff, from Preston, Iowa, served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, in California. He joined the Marine Corps in December 2008. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

His personal service awards include the Purple Heart with gold star device, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star device.

British Army Private Thomas Lake killed in action

British Army Private Thomas Christopher Lake, from 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was killed in action during a patrol in the Jamal Kowi area of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand on Sunday 20th November 2011. He was caught in the blast of an insurgent bomb and was airlifted to a field hospital. Sadly, he was declared killed in action.

29-year-old Private Lake, from Watford, joined the Army in November 2009 and passed out of training in May 2010, joining 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (1 PWRR), known as 'The Tigers', in Germany shortly afterwards.

He deployed to Canada with B Company, 4 Platoon in July 2010 and stayed with that platoon for the rest of his training and deployment to Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Colonel James Coote, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, said: "Private Tom Lake epitomised the very best qualities of the British infantryman; he was a true Tiger - ever professional and totally committed to his mates and his battalion, he had an irrepressible smile and an understated manner that together made him hugely respected by all those that had the privilege to serve with him."

Private Lake leaves behind his mother Carol among other family and friends.

British War Dead repatriation

The bodies of four British soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan will be repatriated to Britain on Thursday 24th November 2011.

The plane is due to arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at approximately 12.30pm. The corteges will pass by the Memorial Garden at around 14:45pm arriving at the John Radcliffe Hospital around 15.30pm.

The fallen are:

L-Cpl Peter Eustace, 2 RIFLES, KIA 16 November

Lt. David Boyce, Queen's Dragoon Guards, KIA 17 November

L-Cpl Richard Scanlon, Queen's Dragoon Guards, KIA 17 November

Private Thomas Lake, 1 PWRR, KIA 20 November

US Marine Lance Corporal Joshua Corral

US Marine Lance Corporal Joshua D. Corral was killed in action during combat operations in Helmand on 18th November 2011.

19-year-old L-Cpl. Corral, from Danville, California, was a machine-gunner serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Twentynine Palms, California.

He joined the Marine Corps in July 2010 and deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion on his first overseas tour of duty. His awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

British soldier killed in action - 20 November 2011

A British soldier from the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) was killed in action on 20th November 2011 when a bomb exploded while he was on a foot patrol in the Jamal Kowi area of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province.

The soldier was part of a joint patrol with members of the Afghan National Security Forces when an insurgent bomb detonated.

The soldier has been named as Private Thomas Lake.

US Army Pfc. Adam Dobereiner

US Army Private 1st Class Adam E. Dobereiner, from Molin, Illinois, was killed in action on Friday 18th November 2011 after an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle, according to the US Army's 8th Engineer Battalion Facebook page.

The incident occurred in the Arghandab Valley, Kandahar province. 21-year-old Pfc. Dobereiner was a member of the 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Hood, Texas. Two other soldiers were injured by the blast.

The Battalion's Facebook page quoted: "Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines (American and foreign) gathered in Kandahar to hold a ramp ceremony in honor of PFC Adam Dobereiner. Please keep all of the Soldiers, their Families, and the 937th Clearance Company in your thoughts and prayers as they finish up the deployment and begin their journey home."

Queen's Dragoon Guard Officer, Lieutenant David Boyce

British Army Lieutenant David Alexander Grant Boyce was one of two British Cavalry soldiers killed in action on 17th November 2011 when their armoured patrol vehicle hit an insurgent roadside bomb. The incident occurred in the Yakchal region of Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand province.

25-year-old Lt. Boyce joined the Army in September 2009 and commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst into 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards in August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan last month.

Lieutenant Colonel Jasper de Quincey Adams, Commanding Officer, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards said: "Lieutenant David Boyce was a charming young officer who, quite simply, represented everything that is great about the Regiment and British Army. He died while commanding his soldiers on operations in a complex and demanding environment. He led from the front, setting the very highest standards, and inspired his men and peers alike. Tall, powerful and with an infectious smile he, like so many officers of his generation, was committed to his men and determined to succeed on the operations."

Lt. Boyce leaves his father Martin, mother Andrea, sister Charlotte and girlfriend Jodie.

The other soldier killed in the same incident was Lance-Corporal Richard Scanlon

British Queen's Dragoon Guard Lance Corporal Richard Scanlon

British Army Lance Corporal Richard Scanlon was one of two British Cavalry soldiers killed in action on 17th November 2011 when their armoured patrol vehicle hit an insurgent roadside bomb. The incident occurred in the Yakchal region of Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand province.

31-year-old L-Cpl. Scanlon served with the elite 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards. He joined the Army in November 1998 and had served in Bosnia in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 and 2005 before deciding to leave the Army in July 2006. After being dissatisfied in a number of civilian jobs he rejoined the Army and the Regiment in September 2009 and was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan last month.

Lieutenant Colonel Jasper de Quincey Adams, Commanding Officer, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards said: "Lance Corporal Richard Scanlon was one of life's great characters, always with an infectious smile and a tangible love of life. An experienced soldier, calm under pressure, he was hand picked as the Troop Leader's gunner on a demanding operational tour. He was a fighting soldier, cracking in the field or on operations, and in camp, his flamboyant character meant he could find fun in any situation. His appetite for the finer things in life was prodigious and had earned him one of the more memorable nicknames - nothing was ever half hearted for Lance Corporal Scanlon."

L-Cpl. Scanlon leaves behind his mother Cherry, step-father Robert, father Raymond and sisters Lisa and Emma.

The other soldier killed in the same incident was Lieutenant David Boyce

US Army Spc. Sean Walsh

US Army Specialist Sean M. Walsh was killed in Khowst province on 16th November 2011 from what the US Department of Defense describes as "injuries sustained after encountering indirect fire."

21-year-old Spc. Walsh, from San Jose, California, served with the 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, based at Pittsburg, California.

More information to follow.

US Army Pfc. Matthew Colin

US Army Pfc. Matthew C. Colin, from Navarre, Florida was one of two soldiers killed in action on 16th November 2011 when an insurgent bomb detonated beside their patrol vehicle. The incident occurred in Kandahar province.

22-year-old Pfc. Colin served with the Alaska-based 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The 2007 graduate of Navarre High School joined the Army in February 2010. This was his first deployment.

He leaves his father Ken, mother Kathy and his older brother, Michael.

Killed in the same incident was Spc. James R. Burnett Jr