Rivera, Richard Anthony Jr
Male
Verified Corporal Richard Anthony Rivera Jr., 20, of Ventura, California, was a U.S. Marine with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He died in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on August 10, 2012.
Their Story
Richard Anthony Rivera Jr. was born in Ventura, California. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned as a rifleman to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, part of the 3rd Marine Division based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay.
In 2012, his battalion deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) under Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit operated in Helmand province, a region characterized by intense insurgent activity and a focus of the U.S. Marine Corps' counterinsurgency efforts.
On August 10, 2012, Corporal Rivera was killed during operations in Helmand. The Department of Defense announced his death the following day, stating he died while conducting combat operations.
His death occurred during the final years of the International Security Assistance Force's mission, which sought to train Afghan forces and stabilize key districts. The war in Afghanistan, which began in October 2001, would continue for more than two years after his death.
Corporal Rivera was 20 years old. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal. His awards include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Explore Further
Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led combat mission in Afghanistan, 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.
