Pirtle, James Dewel
Male
Verified U.S. Army Sergeant James Dewel Pirtle, 21, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was killed in a hostile incident at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on May 1, 2009, while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Their Story
James Dewel Pirtle was a 21-year-old sergeant from Colorado Springs, Colorado. He served in the U.S. Army's Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, which was deployed as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Sergeant Pirtle died on May 1, 2009, at the Bagram Airfield Military Airfield Command Post (BAF MACP) in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announced he was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on guard duty at the base perimeter.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2009, the conflict was marked by a significant insurgent campaign against coalition forces and infrastructure, including attacks on major bases like Bagram.
The Department of Defense formally announced Pirtle's death on May 2, 2009. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. Media reports at the time noted his death was one of several that month highlighting the persistent threat of direct attacks on fortified coalition installations.
Sergeant Pirtle is memorialized on the 1st Infantry Division monument at Fort Riley, Kansas, and on online veterans' memorials. Public records indicate he was survived by his parents.
Explore Further
Sgt. James Pirtle 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.
