Bomb Kills Ft. Bragg Paratrooper in Afghanistan
An 82nd Airborne paratrooper died of wounds sustained when his mounted patrol encountered a bomb near Musa Qal’eh, Afghanistan, on Sunday.
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Cpl. Tanner J. O’Leary, 23, of Eagle Butte, S.D., had served with the 1st Battalion of the 82nd's 4th Brigade Combat Team, also referred to as the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, since August 2007.
“We will always remember Tanner O’Leary for the upstanding, commendable paratrooper he was and the sacrifices he made for his country,” said Capt. Thomas Renner, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Co. of the 1st Battaltion.
O’Leary joined the Army in January 2005. He was graduated from infantry training in May 2005 and airborne school in June 2005 at Fort Benning, Ga.
“His death was tragic and premature, but the impression he made on his fellow brothers and paratroopers will last forever,” Renner said. “His death reminds us of the honor and selfless service that he embodied.”
O’Leary’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Parachutist’s Badge.
O’Leary is survived by his daughter, Alexis, and his mother, Carmen O’Leary, of Eagle Butte, S. D.
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