James D. Blankenbecler (June 27, 1963 – October 1, 2003) was an American command sergeant major and the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to be killed by hostile fire in the Iraq War.[1]
James D. Blankenbecler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 27, 1963 Arlington County, Virginia |
| Died | October 1, 2003 Samarra, Iraq |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Rank | Command Sergeant Major |
Early life and education edit
Blankenbecler was born on June 27, 1963, in Arlington County, Virginia.[2] Blankenbecler grew up in Northern Virginia and attended Groveton High School (now West Potomac High School).[3]
Military career edit
Blankenbecler joined the United States Army in 1983 and served during the Gulf War and at Fort Belvoir.[3]
In 2003, Blankenbecler was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas and deployed to Iraq.[1][4]
Death and legacy edit
Blankenbecler died on October 1, 2003, in Samarra, Iraq, due to injuries sustained after being in convoy that was "hit by an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades".[3][1][5]
In 2005, a bill was passed by the Virginia General Assembly to honor Blankenbecler.[6]
In 2014, the CSM James D. Blankenbecler Resilience Center was opened and dedicated in Blankenbecler's name.[1]
In 2018, West Potomac High School held a Veteran's Day of Service to honor Blankenbecler.[7]
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Command Sgt. Major Blankenbecler Resilience Center Dedication". www.army.mil. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
- ^ "CSM James D. Blankenbecler – Virginia Run For The Fallen". usarunforthefallen.org. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
- ^ a b c Martin Weil (October 3, 2003). "Arlington Native Killed In Iraq". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
- ^ "When War Takes a Parent". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
- ^ "Army Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler- Military Times". thefallen.militarytimes.com. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
- ^ "LIS > Bill Tracking > HJ953 > 2005 session".
- ^ "'Veteran's Day of Service' at West Potomac High School on Nov. 12 honors Sgt. Maj. Blankenbecler". forthuntherald.com. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
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