Svitak, Philip James
Male
Verified Philip James Svitak, an American soldier from Neosho, Missouri, died on March 4, 2002, in Afghanistan during hostile actions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Their Story
Sergeant Philip James Svitak was an active duty member of the United States Army, serving in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On March 4, 2002, Svitak was killed near Gardez, Afghanistan. The incident occurred during Operation Anaconda, a significant military operation aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in the region.
Svitak, aged 31 at the time of his death, was part of the elite 160th SOAR, also known as the Night Stalkers, a unit renowned for their specialized aviation capabilities supporting special operations forces. This regiment played a crucial role in providing aerial support during combat operations.
The loss of Sergeant Svitak was felt deeply by his family, colleagues, and the broader military community. His deployment to Afghanistan was part of a broader U.S. initiative following the attacks of September 11, 2001, which led to the launch of Operation Enduring Freedom in October of that year.
Svitak's death is a reminder of the human cost of military engagements. As one of the 2,356 American fatalities in Operation Enduring Freedom, his service and sacrifice are remembered with respect and solemnity. His passing occurred during a period of intense military activity aimed at undermining insurgent capabilities in the early stages of the conflict.
Explore Further
Operation Enduring Freedom concluded in December 2014, marking the end of one of the longest military engagements involving U.S. forces. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Losano, Raymond, Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif.
