James D. Blankenbecler

James D. Blankenbecler (June 27, 1963 – October 1, 2003) was an American command sergeant major and the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to be killed by hostile fire in the Iraq War.[1]

James D. Blankenbecler
BornJune 27, 1963
Arlington County, Virginia
DiedOctober 1, 2003
Samarra, Iraq
Service / branchUnited States Army
RankCommand Sergeant Major

Early life and education

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Blankenbecler was born on June 27, 1963, in Arlington County, Virginia.[2] Blankenbecler grew up in Northern Virginia and attended Groveton High School (now West Potomac High School).[3]

Military career

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Blankenbecler joined the United States Army in 1983 and served during the Gulf War and at Fort Belvoir.[3]

In 2003, Blankenbecler was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas and deployed to Iraq.[1][4]

Death and legacy

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Blankenbecler died on October 1, 2003, in Samarra, Iraq, due to injuries sustained after being in convoy that was "hit by an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades".[3][1][5]

In 2005, a bill was passed by the Virginia General Assembly to honor Blankenbecler.[6]

In 2014, the CSM James D. Blankenbecler Resilience Center was opened and dedicated in Blankenbecler's name.[1]

In 2018, West Potomac High School held a Veteran's Day of Service to honor Blankenbecler.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Command Sgt. Major Blankenbecler Resilience Center Dedication". www.army.mil. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  2. ^ "CSM James D. Blankenbecler – Virginia Run For The Fallen". usarunforthefallen.org. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c Martin Weil (October 3, 2003). "Arlington Native Killed In Iraq". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
  4. ^ "When War Takes a Parent". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  5. ^ "Army Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler- Military Times". thefallen.militarytimes.com. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  6. ^ "LIS > Bill Tracking > HJ953 > 2005 session".
  7. ^ "'Veteran's Day of Service' at West Potomac High School on Nov. 12 honors Sgt. Maj. Blankenbecler". forthuntherald.com. Retrieved April 14, 2019.