Neil, William Robert Jr

William Robert Neil Jr., known as Robert, was from Holmdel, New Jersey. He was a senior non-commissioned officer assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On March 22, 2008, Neil was part of a joint U.S.-Afghan patrol operating in the village of Sperwan Ghar, located in the Panjwayi District of Kandahar Province. According to U.S. military reports, the patrol came under small-arms fire from insurgent forces during a dismounted security operation. Neil was fatally wounded in the engagement.

Neil's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The Panjwayi District was a known insurgent stronghold and a frequent site of intense combat operations throughout the conflict.

Following his death, the Department of Defense announced his loss. He was posthumously promoted from Sergeant First Class to Staff Sergeant. A memorial service was held at Fort Bragg.

Staff Sgt. Neil was survived by his wife and children. He is memorialized on the Special Forces Memorial Wall at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg.

Staff Sgt. Neil 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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