Two Green Berets Killed in Action in Afghanistan Identified
UPDATE DOD
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Both soldiers died August 21, 2019 in Faryab Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations. The incident is under investigation.
The deceased are:
Master Sgt.* Luis F. DeLeon-Figueroa, 31, of Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Master Sgt.* Jose J. Gonzalez, 35, of La Puente, California.
Both soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
August 22, 2019
Release #19-08-004
Two Special Forces Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Master Sgt. Luis F. Deleon-Figueroa, 31, and Master Sgt. Jose J. Gonzalez, 35, U.S. Special Forces Soldiers, were killed Aug. 21, during combat operations in Faryab Province, Afghanistan. Both Soldiers were assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
“It was an honor having them serve within the ranks of 7th SFG (A). They were a part of our Family, and will not be forgotten,” said Col. John W. Sannes, 7th SFG (A) commander.
“Our Priority is to now provide the best possible care to the Families of our fallen warriors” said Sannes. “We ask that you keep their Families and teammates in your thoughts and prayers.”
Deleon-Figueroa, a native of Chicopee, Mass., served more than 13 years in the Army. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th SFG (A), in 2014 as a Special Forces communications sergeant, and then as a Special Forces operations and intelligence sergeant.
Deleon-Figueroa deployed six times during his career. He deployed as an infantryman to Iraq in 2008, and to Afghanistan in 2010. As a Green Beret, he deployed to South America in 2015 and 2018, and to Afghanistan in 2018 and 2019.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal,
Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal with four Knot Device, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “3”, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral “3”, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge.
Master Sgt. Luis F. Deleon-Figueroa was posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant. His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal.
Gonzalez, a native of La Puente, Ca. and was assigned to 1st Bn., 7th SFG (A), in 2014.
Master Sgt. Jose J. Gonzalez was posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant.
At the request of the Family, no photo or additional information will be released at this time.
21 Aug Two U.S. Service Members Killed in Action in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – Two U.S. service members were killed August 21, 2019 in Afghanistan. Resolute Support official releases:
21 AUG 2019 KABUL, Afghanistan – Two U.S. service members were killed August 21, 2019 in Afghanistan. In accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the names of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin.
The numbers of U.S. troops killed in Action or in friendly fire incidents are adding up this year, with incidents reported more frequently as the U.S. talks about partially drawing out.
29 JUL 2019 KABUL, Afghanistan – Two U.S. service members were killed July 29, 2019 in Afghanistan.
24 JUL 2019 KABUL, Afghanistan – One NATO service member was killed in action today while conducting an operation.