Morgado, Travis Alan
Male
Verified U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Travis Alan Morgado, 25, of San Jose, California, was killed in a hostile incident on May 23, 2012, in Zharay, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Travis Alan Morgado was a 25-year-old Second Lieutenant from San Jose, California. He served with Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, part of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
On May 23, 2012, Morgado was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on patrol in the Zharay district of Kandahar province, a volatile agricultural region southwest of Kandahar city. According to U.S. military reports, he was leading his platoon on a dismounted patrol when the unit came under fire. Another soldier, Specialist John A. Pelham, 22, was killed in the same engagement.
Morgado's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2012, the war's focus was on transitioning security responsibilities to Afghan forces, but intense combat continued in traditional Taliban strongholds like Kandahar. Zharay district was a frequent site of insurgent activity and clearing operations.
Following his death, the Department of Defense officially announced the casualties. Morgado was posthumously promoted to First Lieutenant. He was buried with military honors at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose. His battalion commander stated Morgado was a respected leader who was 'always at the front of his platoon.'
Morgado was remembered by his family and community as a dedicated soldier. His name is inscribed on Panel 26W, Line 74 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Army ROTC program. A memorial run is held annually in his honor at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Explore Further
Travis Morgado 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.
