Pelham, John Alexander
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist John Alexander Pelham, 22, of Portland, Oregon, was killed by enemy fire on February 12, 2014, in Tagab District, Afghanistan.
Their Story
John Alexander Pelham was a Specialist in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Military Intelligence Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A native of Portland, Oregon, he was 22 years old at the time of his deployment to Afghanistan.
On February 12, 2014, Pelham was killed by enemy small-arms fire during a combat operation in Tagab District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan. According to U.S. military reports, he was part of a partnered patrol with Afghan forces when the unit came under attack.
Pelham's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2014, the mission had largely shifted to a train, advise, and assist role as international combat forces prepared to withdraw.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced his death the following day. His family in Oregon and his unit at Fort Bragg received the news. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated soldier. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Oregon Veterans' Memorial in Wilsonville.
Explore Further
John Pelham 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.
