Rao, Elijah John Miles
Male
Verified U.S. Army Sergeant Elijah John Miles Rao, 26, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, was killed in action on December 5, 2009, in the Alin Gar District of western Nuristan, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Elijah John Miles Rao was a 26-year-old sergeant from Lake Oswego, Oregon, serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. According to unit records, his service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On December 5, 2009, Sergeant Rao was killed by enemy small-arms fire during a combat operation in the Alin Gar District of western Nuristan province, Afghanistan. The operation was part of a larger effort by U.S. and Afghan forces to clear insurgent positions in the remote, mountainous region.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2009, U.S. forces were engaged in intense counterinsurgency operations, particularly in eastern provinces like Nuristan, which were strongholds for Taliban and other militant groups.
The Department of Defense announced his death on December 7, 2009. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. A memorial service was held at Fort Carson, and he was buried with full military honors.
Sergeant Rao was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations. He is memorialized on the Fort Carson 'Wall of Heroes' and is listed on the Afghanistan War casualty roster maintained by the Pentagon.
Explore Further
Sergeant Rao 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.
