Birdwell, Christopher James
Male
Verified U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Christopher James Birdwell, 25, of Windsor, Colorado, was killed in a hostile incident in Kalagush, Afghanistan, on August 27, 2012.
Their Story
Christopher James Birdwell was a 25-year-old Staff Sergeant from Windsor, Colorado. He served with Company A, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson.
On August 27, 2012, Birdwell died in Kalagush, a district in Afghanistan's eastern Nuristan province. The U.S. Department of Defense stated his death resulted from enemy small arms fire. He was reportedly part of a unit providing security for a meeting with local elders when the attack occurred.
Birdwell's death took place during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2012, the conflict was in a phase focused on counterinsurgency and training Afghan security forces, with U.S. forces operating in volatile provinces like Nuristan.
Birdwell was posthumously promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. A memorial service was held at Fort Carson, and he was buried with full military honors.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other service medals. In 2013, a memorial plaque was dedicated in his honor at the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado in his hometown of Windsor.
Explore Further
Staff Sergeant Birdwell was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
