Grissom, James Floyd

James Floyd Grissom was a Special Forces soldier assigned to Company A, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. A native of Hayward, California, he had served multiple deployments, including to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.

Sergeant First Class Grissom was wounded in a hostile incident in Afghanistan on March 18, 2013. He was evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he died from his injuries three days later, on March 21. The U.S. Department of Defense did not release specific details about the nature of the incident or its location.

Grissom was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The conflict involved coalition forces, the Afghan National Security Forces, and insurgent groups, including the Taliban. His death occurred as the U.S. was drawing down its combat forces and transitioning security responsibilities to Afghan troops.

Following his death, the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) issued a statement honoring his service. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. His unit commander reportedly described him as a dedicated and professional soldier.

Grissom is survived by his wife and children. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. His name is listed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia.

Sergeant First Class Grissom 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.

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