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Bragg soldier killed clearing roadside bombs in Afghanistan

The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that Pfc. Ryane G. Clark, 22, of New London, Minn., died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

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Pfc. Ryane G. Clark
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A Fort Bragg-based soldier died after being wounded in an insurgent attack in Afghanistan Monday, the Defense Department announced Wednesday.

Pfc. Ryane G. Clark, 22, of New London, Minn., died of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Shekhabad. Clark served with the 27th Combat Engineer Battalion (Airborne), 20th Combat Engineer Brigade.

"While performing a very noble, very dangerous mission – clearing roadside bombs to make Afghanistan safer for Afghans and Americans – Pfc. Clark was killed when his convoy was hit by enemy fire," Col. Richard Kaiser, commander, 20th Engineer Brigade, said in a statement.

"Clark was well loved by all his fellow sappers and comrades, and he was absolutely one of our best young troopers," Kaiser continued. "He will truly be missed but will always be remembered fondly for his courage, professionalism and dedication.”

Clark enlisted in the Army in 2008 and was assigned to the 57th Sapper Company in October 2009. The deployment to Afghanistan was his first, and he served as a combat engineer during route clearance operations.

Clark’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal Posthumous, Purple Heart Posthumous, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge.

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