Bernier, Nicholas Paul Wilfred

Nicholas Paul Wilfred Bernier was a 21-year-old soldier from East Kingston, New Hampshire. He served as a Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Polk, Louisiana. His unit was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On June 23, 2011, Bernier was wounded by enemy small arms fire in Kunar province, eastern Afghanistan. He was evacuated from the combat zone for medical treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, he succumbed to his wounds two days later, on June 25, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The mission initially focused on dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power. By 2011, the conflict had evolved into a protracted counterinsurgency, with intense fighting in eastern provinces like Kunar, where U.S. forces operated alongside Afghan troops.

The Army announced Bernier's death in a press release. He was posthumously promoted to Specialist. His awards reportedly included the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal. His body was returned to New Hampshire, where he was buried with military honors.

Bernier was remembered by his community and fellow soldiers. A memorial run was reportedly held in his honor at Fort Polk. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery and on Panel 21W, Line 111 of the Afghanistan Veterans Memorial Wall in Boston.

Nicholas Bernier 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.

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