Patterson, Christopher Alexander
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Alexander Patterson, 20, of Aurora, Illinois, was killed on January 6, 2012, in Nilay, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Christopher Alexander Patterson was a 20-year-old soldier from Aurora, Illinois. He served as a Specialist in the 713th Engineer Company (Sapper), 113th Engineer Battalion, 81st Troop Command, an Indiana National Guard unit based in Valparaiso.
On January 6, 2012, Patterson was killed by enemy small-arms fire in the village of Nilay, located in the volatile Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He was part of a unit conducting a dismounted patrol when the engagement occurred.
Patterson's death came during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2012, the conflict was focused on counterinsurgency operations in the country's south and east, with Kandahar province being a significant area of combat.
His death was reported by the Department of Defense and noted in local Illinois media. Patterson was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, according to military releases.
He is remembered by his unit and community. The 713th Engineer Company was mobilized for deployment in 2011, and Patterson was among its members serving in Afghanistan.
Explore Further
Patterson 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.
