U.S Army Pfc. Ira B. Laningham

Ira B. Laningham

U.S Army Pfc. Ira B. Laningham, aged 22 from Zapata, Texas, died 7th January 2011 from wounds received when Taliban insurgents detonated a bomb beside his patrol unit, then opened fire with rifles and machine-guns.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

"Ben", as everyone who knew him, called him, joined the Army in November 2009 and transferred to Fort Polk in June 2010 on completion of his training.

Pfc Laningham's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Pfc Stephanie Armendariz-Laningham.