Mcclure, Charles Patrick

Charles Patrick McClure was a 21-year-old from Stratford, Oklahoma. He served as a Specialist in the U.S. Army, assigned to Battery A, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

McClure died on May 2, 2013, at Camp Buehring, a staging base in northern Kuwait. According to the Department of Defense, he was killed when a mortar tube exploded during a live-fire training exercise. The incident occurred as his unit was preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan.

His death took place under the umbrella of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The operation's mission evolved from counter-terrorism in Afghanistan to include training and support missions in other regions, including the Horn of Africa and the Philippines.

Following his death, the Army launched an investigation into the training accident. McClure was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. His body was returned to Oklahoma, where he was buried with military honors.

McClure is remembered by his family and community as a dedicated soldier. His name is inscribed on the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial and is included in the count of more than 2,300 U.S. service members who died during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Charles Patrick McClure 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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