Nathan Chapman (soldier)

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Chapman's coffin.
Chapman's coffin.

The first American military casualty of the War on Terrorism[1], Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Ross Chapman was shot by a 14-year old sniper in Gardez on January 4, 2002.[2]

Born at Andrews Airforce Base where his father was stationed, Nathan Chapman grew up in a variety of towns across the United States, but listed his hometown as San Antonio, Texas when he joined the military at the age of 18. He'd never lived in San Antonio, but that's where his grandparents were.[2]

Assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group following the September 11th attacks, Chapman was directing troop movements from the back of a flatbed truck when he was shot.[3] He did not die instantly from the attack, which also saw a CIA agent wounded.[4]

He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.[4]

Chapman, his wife and two children lived in Tacoma, Washington.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kozaryn, Linda D. American Forces Press Service, Army Vice Chief Lauds Special Ops' Afghan Mission, January 24, 2002
  2. ^ a b Chapman Remembered at Ft Lewis
  3. ^ Marek, J.B. "Shadow Massacre", July 16, 2007
  4. ^ a b Bongioanni, Carlos. Okinawa bureau Stars and Stripes, "Okinawa service salutes Nate Chapman a former Torii Station Green Beret killed in Afghanistan" Pacific edition, Sunday, January 13, 2002
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