Ruiz, Cesar Bocanegra

Cesar Bocanegra Ruiz was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, assigned to the Deployed Processing Command at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. His unit was responsible for the logistical movement of personnel and equipment into and out of combat theaters.

In the fall of 2009, Sgt. Ruiz was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. He was operating in the area known as Fiddlers Green, a forward operating base in the volatile Helmand Province, a major center of Taliban activity and opium production.

On October 31, 2009, Sgt. Ruiz was killed by hostile action. According to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports, he died from wounds sustained while supporting combat operations. The specific details of the engagement were not publicly disclosed in initial announcements.

His death was recorded as one of the 2,356 American service members who died during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The conflict, which aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power, continued for another five years after his death, concluding in December 2014.

Sgt. Ruiz was 26 years old at the time of his death. His remains were returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors. He is remembered on memorials dedicated to those who served in Afghanistan.

Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. war in Afghanistan, began in October 2001 and 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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