Aparicio, Carlos Arturo
Male
Verified U.S. Army Private First Class Carlos Arturo Aparicio, 19, of San Bernardino, California, was killed in Wardak province, Afghanistan, on September 23, 2011.
Their Story
Carlos Arturo Aparicio was a 19-year-old from San Bernardino, California. He served as an infantryman with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, part of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
On September 23, 2011, Aparicio was killed by enemy small-arms fire during a dismounted patrol in Wardak province, according to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports. He was one of two soldiers from his unit killed in the same engagement.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2011, U.S. forces were engaged in a counterinsurgency surge, with Wardak province being a significant area of operations for Taliban and allied insurgent groups.
Aparicio was posthumously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. He was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in California. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Army Good Conduct Medal.
He is remembered by family and fellow soldiers. A memorial service was held at Fort Polk, and his name is inscribed on a memorial at the base.
Explore Further
PFC Aparicio was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict 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.
