The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. John E. Andrade, 19, of San Antonio, Texas, died Aug. 7 at DE Khak Chupan Turah, Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For more information, the media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, and Seventh Army public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-8098 or ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
Editors note: Pfc. Andrade was a member of Troop I and had been in the Army 11 months. His awards included:
Bronze Star Medal, Posthumous
Purple Heart, Posthumous
Army Good Conduct Medal, Posthumous
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal, Posthumous
Combat Infantryman Badge, Posthumous
Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge
Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle)
Expert
Overseas Service Bar
Pfc. Andrade will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
From the Wolfpack 3/2SCR newsletter “Wolf Tales”:
Private First Class John Edward Andrade was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 3, 1991. He was a 2009 graduate of Cross Roads High School. John married his wife Elizabeth on August 1, 2009, and just ten days later, reported to Initial Entry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. John joined the Army to provide a better life for his wife Elizabeth and their son John Andrade Jr. While at Fort Benning, PFC Andrade trained with 3d Platoon, F Company, 2d Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment. Upon completion of Advanced Individual Training, John reported to Iron Company, 3d Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment on December 7, 2009, where he was assigned to 2d Squad, 2d Platoon, Iron Company. John was assigned as a Stryker Driver, a position in which he excelled. In June 2010, he deployed with the rest of Iron Company to Afghanistan. Continuing to serve as a Stryker Driver, John diligently executed his responsibilities and earned the rank of Private First Class on August 1, 2010. The loss of John is one of deep sadness to his platoon, Iron Company, and the rest of the Wolfpack Squadron. Though his humorous take on the challenges of the day will be sorely missed, his courageous example will never be forgotten.
