Martinez, Rafael Jr

Sergeant Rafael Martinez Jr. was a 36-year-old American soldier from Spring Valley, California. He served with Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Carson, Colorado.

On October 14, 2010, Martinez died from wounds sustained in a hostile incident while on patrol on Route Opel in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The specific nature of the hostile action was not detailed in the initial casualty report.

Martinez's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2010, the conflict was marked by a significant U.S. troop surge and intense fighting in the country's eastern and southern regions.

His death was recorded in the Defense Casualty Analysis System on the day he died. The Department of Defense announced his death in a press release, and his name was added to the official casualty lists.

Sergeant Martinez is memorialized on the Fort Carson 'Wall of Heroes' and his name is inscribed on Panel 10R, Line 110 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

Sergeant Martinez 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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