Fort Bragg-based soldier killed in Afghanistan

1st Lt. Salvatore S. Corma, 24, of Wenonah, N.J., was killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot in the Zabul province.

Corma was stationed at Forward Operating Base Bullard, with the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

"Sal was one of the most selfless and compassionate people I have ever met, and that is the reason why he was respected by his men," his fellow platoon leader, 1st Lt. William L. Banks, said in a statement.

After attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, Corma was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry in May 2008. He went through the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Basic Airborne School and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga.

He was first assigned to the rear detachment of 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment last September. He joined Company A in Afghanistan a month later.

“1st Lt. Corma was a great officer and a great leader,” said Staff Sgt. Jon Walker of Company A.

"He held his men and himself to a higher standard and was willing to place himself in harm's way to keep his men safe," Banks said.

Corma’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Basic Parachutist’s Badge and Ranger Tab.

Corma is survived by his parents, Salvatore and Gertrude Corma, of Wenonah, N.J.

A memorial in his honor will be held in Afghanistan.