Sabalu, Wilberto Jr
Male
Verified U.S. Army Master Sergeant Wilberto 'Junior' Sabalu Jr., 36, of Philomath, Illinois, was killed in a hostile incident in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 6, 2007, while serving with the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Their Story
Master Sergeant Wilberto 'Junior' Sabalu Jr. was a 36-year-old career soldier from Philomath, Illinois. He was assigned to the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, a posting for senior non-commissioned officers being groomed for higher leadership. His service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On May 6, 2007, Sabalu was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports, his death was the result of a hostile incident. The specific circumstances of the attack were not detailed in initial public releases.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2007, the conflict was marked by a resilient insurgency and increasing violence in the capital region.
Sabalu was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He was survived by his wife and children. Memorial services were held in Kansas and Illinois, where he was remembered by his command for his professionalism and dedication.
His death was one of 117 U.S. service member fatalities recorded in Afghanistan for the year 2007, a figure that would escalate in subsequent years. The conflict, in which he served, formally concluded in December 2014.
Explore Further
Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, began in 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.
