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WASHINGTON, July 7, 2006 – A coalition soldier was killed yesterday in the Baghran Valley of Afghanistan's Helmand province when a convoy was attacked by enemy extremists, and the Defense Department has identified earlier casualties in the war on terror.
During the attack, coalition forces returned fire, and at least five extremists were killed. A coalition soldier wounded in the Baghran Valley attack was taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment. "We deeply regret the loss of our fellow soldier, who bravely fought alongside his comrades against those who would impose tyranny and oppression on the Afghan people," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76. "He died serving his country in a mission he and his comrades believe in. His sacrifice will not be forgotten." The soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Defense Department also identified three soldiers who were killed recently in Iraq. - Army Pfc. Collin T. Mason, 20, of Staten Island, N.Y., died in Taji on July 2 when he encountered indirect fire while manning a checkpoint in his vehicle. Mason was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
- Army Staff Sgt. Paul S. Pabla, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died July 3 in Mosul of injuries suffered from enemy small-arms fire. Pabla was assigned to the Army National Guard's 139th Field Artillery, Kempton, Ind.
- Army Sgt. James P. Muldoon, 23, of Bells, Texas, died June 29 in Balad of injuries suffered earlier that day in Baquba. Muldoon was shot while manning a control point during combat operations. Muldoon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Combined Arms Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and Defense Department news releases.)
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