Bicknell, Stephen Dean
Male
Verified Stephen Dean Bicknell, 19, an American soldier from Prattville, AL, died in Samarra, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom on October 15, 2006.
Their Story
Private First Class Stephen Dean Bicknell of Prattville, Alabama, served with the U.S. Army's Company A, 2nd Battalion, 505th Infantry, part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a conflict that saw significant American military engagement following its commencement in March 2003.
On October 15, 2006, Bicknell was killed in Samarra, Iraq. His death was classified as hostile, marking him as one of the many servicemen and women who lost their lives in the protracted conflict. He was 19 years old at the time of his passing.
The period during which Bicknell served, particularly from 2005 to 2007, was among the deadliest phases of the conflict, characterized by frequent insurgent attacks and intense combat operations. The city of Samarra, located in the Sunni Triangle, was a notable hotspot for violence during this time.
Operation Iraqi Freedom ultimately concluded in August 2010, with the withdrawal of the last U.S. combat troops. By that time, 4,418 American service members had lost their lives, each with a story like Bicknell's, marked by duty and sacrifice.
Bicknell's death is a solemn reminder of the human cost of war, as communities both in the United States and Iraq continue to grapple with the aftermath. His service is remembered with honor, and his loss is mourned by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Explore Further
Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in March 2003, concluded in August 2010, marking an end to U.S. combat operations in Iraq. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Aubin, Jay Thomas, Beaupre, Ryan Anthony, Childers, Therrel Shane, Gutierrez, Jose.
