Blessing, Jay Anthony
Male
Verified Sgt. Jay Anthony Blessing, 23, of Tacoma, Washington, was a U.S. Army Ranger with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He died in a hostile incident at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, on November 14, 2003.
Their Story
Jay Anthony Blessing was a 23-year-old sergeant from Tacoma, Washington. He served in the U.S. Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 2nd Battalion, based at Fort Lewis, Washington.
On November 14, 2003, Sgt. Blessing was killed in a hostile incident at Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul. According to the Department of Defense, he was struck by indirect fire, a term typically used for mortar or rocket attacks, while inside the base perimeter. He was one of two soldiers killed in the attack that day.
Blessing's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By late 2003, major combat operations had officially ended, but insurgent attacks against coalition forces and bases were frequent. Bagram Air Base, a primary hub for U.S. operations, was a regular target for rocket and mortar strikes.
The Department of Defense announced Blessing's death on November 15, 2003. His body was returned to the United States. Public records indicate he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for his service.
Sgt. Blessing is memorialized on several veterans' websites and at the Fort Lewis Memorial Park. His name is included on the 75th Ranger Regiment's memorial at Fort Benning, Georgia, honoring Rangers who have died in combat.
Explore Further
Sgt. Blessing 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.
