[Dan]

http://news.soc.mil/releases/05JUN/050603-01.htm

RELEASE NUMBER: 050603-01
DATE POSTED: JUNE 5, 2005

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier dies in Afghanistan

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 5, 2005) — An Army Special Forces Soldier based here was killed June 3, 2005 in the vicinity of Orgun-e, Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Leroy E. Alexander, 27, a Special Forces engineer sergeant, assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Bragg, N.C. died when an enemy improvised explosive device exploded near his Ground Mobility Vehicle during operations in Afghanistan’s southeastern region.

A native of Dale City, Va., Alexander entered the Army Aug.13, 1997.

Alexander arrived at the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) in October 2002 to begin the more than two years of intense training it would take for him to become a Special Forces engineer sergeant.

He was assigned to the 7th SFG in June 2004.

His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Alexander is survived by his wife, Marissa; and parents, Ronald and Felicia Alexander of Manassas, Va.


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