PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier dies in Afghanistan

[SR-25]

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Nov. 16, 2005) — An Army Special Forces Soldier died Nov. 15 in the vicinity of Lawara, Afghanistan of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.

Sgt. 1st Class James S. Ochsner, 36, a Special Forces intelligence sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ochsner was in the process of distributing supplies to local nationals at the time of the attack.

A Hope Mills, N.C. resident, Ochsner enlisted in the Army in 1987 as an artilleryman.

Ochsner arrived at 3rd SFG in July 2002.

His awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, Army Commendation Medal for valor, Army Commendation Medal for service, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badges, and the Special Forces Tab.

Ochsner is survived by his wife, Ann, his son, Nicholas, and daughter, Meagan of Hope Mills. He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Sandra, of Beach Park, Ill.

http://news.soc.mil/releases/05NOV/051116-01.htm

[SSGMike.Ivy]

Rip

[Grimmy]

Rest in Peace, Soldier