Fort Bragg soldier killed in Afghanistan

Spc. Clayton D. McGarrah, 20, of Harrison, Ark., died of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenade fire.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

"Clayton D. McGarrah was a bright young man with a promising future in the Army," said Capt. David Christmas, McGarrah's commander. "He had not been with us more than a week, but was already stepping up as a rifleman to the demanding task in a harsh combat environment."

McGarrah's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Parachutist's badge.

He is survived by his wife, Emily McGarrah, and his parents Michele and Orville McGarrah.