Rangel, Christopher

Christopher Rangel was a 22-year-old Marine from San Antonio, Texas. He served as a lance corporal with the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, part of the 1st Marine Division (Forward) deployed to Afghanistan.

On May 6, 2010, Rangel died from wounds sustained during a hostile incident in Helmand province, according to the Department of Defense. He was reportedly killed by an improvised explosive device while on a dismounted patrol in the volatile Sangin district, a Taliban stronghold at the time.

Rangel's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2009, a surge of U.S. forces, primarily Marines, was deployed to Helmand province to clear insurgent-held areas. The 3/6 Marines were engaged in intense counterinsurgency operations in Sangin, which saw some of the highest casualty rates of the war.

The Department of Defense announced his death on May 8, 2010. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His body was returned to Texas, where he was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Rangel is remembered on memorial walls in Texas and by his battalion. The 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines suffered significant losses during its 2010 deployment, with at least 25 members killed, many in Sangin.

Christopher Rangel 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.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record