Rabon, Luther Willard Jr

Luther Willard Rabon Jr. was a 32-year-old sergeant from Lexington, South Carolina. He served with the South Carolina Army National Guard's 1221st Engineer Clearance Company, part of the 176th Engineer Brigade based in Graniteville. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, his service reportedly included assignments in the Philippines and the Horn of Africa.

Sergeant Rabon died on October 1, 2010, in Orgun District, Paktika Province, near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. According to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports, his death was the result of a hostile incident. Specific details of the engagement were not widely released, but the area was known for insurgent activity and complex terrain.

Rabon's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. His unit, an engineer clearance company, was tasked with finding and neutralizing improvised explosive devices and other explosive hazards, a critical and high-risk mission during the 2010 troop surge aimed at stabilizing the country.

Following his death, the South Carolina National Guard confirmed the loss. He was survived by his wife and children. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Lexington.

Sergeant Rabon was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the South Carolina Fallen Heroes Memorial and the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Columbia, SC, Veterans Park.

Sgt. Luther Rabon Jr. 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.

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