SSG Gary R. Harper Jr.
1 Attachment(s)
RELEASE NUMBER: 051010-01
DATE POSTED: OCTOBER 11, 2005
Quote:
Special Forces Soldier dies in Iraq
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 11, 2005) — An Army Special Forces Soldier died Oct. 9 when his reconnaissance mission was attacked by enemy forces.
Staff Sgt. Gary R. Harper Jr., 29, a Special Forces medical sergeant, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died during the enemy attack near Baghdad, Iraq.
The 5th SFG (A) is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Ky.
A native of Illinois, Harper entered the Army May 20, 1993 as an artilleryman.
He arrived at 5th SFG (A) Feb. 8, 2005.
Harper deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2005
His military awards decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Multinational Force and Observers and Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge, the Driver and Mechanic Badges and the Special Forces Tab. He was posthumously recommended for the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal..
Harper is survived by his mother, Linda Mae Morrison of Virden, Ill.; his wife, Danielle, sons, Tristen and Gabrian, of Clarksville, Tenn.; and stepdaughter, Madison Purkapile.
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