Schmalstieg, Justin Edward

Gunnery Sergeant Justin Edward Schmalstieg was killed in action on December 15, 2010, while conducting operations in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. He was serving with the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, a unit specializing in the identification and disarmament of improvised explosive devices and other hazardous munitions.

Schmalstieg, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was 28 years old. He was a senior non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, as part of the 1st Marine Logistics Group.

His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. Helmand province was a major center of insurgent activity and one of the most intense combat zones for international forces at the time.

According to the Department of Defense, Schmalstieg died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. His unit was engaged in counter-IED operations, a critical and high-risk mission aimed at clearing routes and protecting other troops.

Schmalstieg's death was recorded among the 2,356 American service members who died during Operation Enduring Freedom, prior to its conclusion in December 2014. The Marine Corps' EOD community, which suffers a high casualty rate due to the nature of its work, marked another loss.

He is memorialized on casualty lists and by veterans' groups, which note his service in multiple theaters including Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa as part of the Global War on Terrorism.

Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan, concluded in December 2014 after 13 years. 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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