Paranzino, Michael Francis
Male
Verified Sgt. Michael Francis Paranzino, 22, of Middletown, Rhode Island, was a U.S. Army cavalry scout serving with the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment. He was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on November 5, 2010.
Their Story
Michael Francis Paranzino was a 22-year-old from Middletown, Rhode Island, who enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a sergeant and cavalry scout assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York.
On November 5, 2010, Paranzino was killed in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
Paranzino's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. His unit was operating in Kandahar, a southern province that was a major focus of the coalition's 2010 troop surge and a traditional stronghold of the Taliban insurgency.
Following his death, the Department of Defense officially announced his loss. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations. His funeral was held in Rhode Island.
Sgt. Paranzino is remembered on memorials in his home state and by his unit. His name is inscribed on the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery memorial wall.
Explore Further
Sgt. Paranzino 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.
