Greene, Harold Joseph
Male
Verified Major General Harold J. Greene, 55, was a senior U.S. Army officer and engineer. He was killed in an insider attack at a military training academy in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 5, 2014.
Their Story
Harold Joseph Greene was a career officer in the United States Army, born in Schenectady, New York. He held a doctorate in materials science and specialized in acquisition, technology, and logistics. At the time of his deployment, he was assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, a unit focused on training and equipping Afghan security forces.
On August 5, 2014, Greene was visiting the Marshal Fahim National Defense University, a training academy for Afghan army officers in the Qargha area of Kabul Province. A man wearing an Afghan National Army uniform opened fire on a group of coalition personnel. Greene sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter, identified as Afghan soldier Rafiqullah, was killed by return fire.
Greene's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission evolved from direct combat to a focus on training and advising Afghan forces, a transition phase marked by persistent threats from insurgents and insider attacks, known as 'green-on-blue' incidents.
His death was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense. He was the highest-ranking American officer to be killed in combat since the Vietnam War. The attack also wounded about 15 other coalition personnel, including a German brigadier general and several American troops. U.S. and Afghan officials condemned the attack and pledged to continue the security partnership.
Greene was posthumously promoted to major general. He is remembered within the Army for his technical expertise and leadership in acquisition programs. A scholarship fund was established in his name at his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, supporting engineering students.
Explore Further
Major General Harold J. Greene 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.
