Rai, Barun
Male
Verified U.S. Army Sergeant Barun Rai, 24, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was killed in action on August 3, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Afghanistan's Logar province.
Their Story
Barun Rai was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a sergeant with the 54th Engineer Battalion's Forward Support Company, part of the 18th Engineer Brigade based in Bamberg, Germany.
On August 3, 2011, Sergeant Rai was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on guard duty at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar province, Afghanistan. The base, a major logistics hub for U.S. and coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan, was a frequent target of insurgent attacks.
Rai's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission involved combat operations against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces, as well as efforts to train Afghan security forces.
Following his death, the Department of Defense announced his loss. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. His remains were returned to the United States.
Sergeant Rai is remembered on memorial walls for fallen soldiers from Maryland and by his unit. His name is inscribed on Panel 9W, Line 113 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Georgia.
Explore Further
Barun Rai 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.
