Olsen, Nigel Kenton

Nigel Kenton Olsen was a 21-year-old from Orem, Utah. He served as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, assigned to Company C, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, based in Riverton, Utah. According to the Department of Defense, he had previously deployed to locations including the Philippines and the Horn of Africa before his assignment to Afghanistan.

Olsen died on March 4, 2010, while conducting combat operations in the Marjah district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense stated his death resulted from hostile action. He was part of a major coalition offensive, Operation Moshtarak, which had begun in February 2010 to clear Taliban strongholds in the region.

His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. In early 2010, the conflict was marked by a significant troop surge, with intense fighting concentrated in southern provinces like Helmand to disrupt insurgent networks and support the Afghan government.

Olsen's body was returned to Utah, where a funeral service was held at the Timpanogos Third Ward chapel in Orem. He was buried with full military honors at the Orem City Cemetery. The Utah National Guard and local community members lined the procession route in tribute.

He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Olsen is remembered by his unit and family as a dedicated Marine. His name is inscribed on the Utah Veterans Memorial Park monument in West Valley City.

Lance Cpl. Olsen 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.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record