Bradshaw, Brian N
Male
Verified U.S. Army First Lieutenant Brian N. Bradshaw, 24, of Steilacoom, Washington, died on June 25, 2009, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.
Their Story
First Lieutenant Brian N. Bradshaw was a 24-year-old officer from Steilacoom, Washington. He served with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, his service reportedly included assignments in the Philippines and the Horn of Africa.
On June 25, 2009, Bradshaw was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on a mounted patrol in the Yahya Khel district of Paktika Province, a volatile region bordering Pakistan. The attack occurred as his unit was conducting a route clearance operation. The Department of Defense confirmed his death the following day.
Bradshaw's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By mid-2009, the conflict was marked by a significant increase in U.S. troop levels and a corresponding intensification of insurgent attacks, particularly through the use of IEDs, which became the leading cause of coalition casualties.
His body was returned to the United States, and a memorial service was held in his hometown. The Army posthumously awarded him the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Steilacoom.
Brian Bradshaw is remembered by family and former comrades as a dedicated soldier and leader. In interviews, his parents described him as compassionate and committed to his unit. His death was noted in local media and military casualty lists, marking another loss in a province that saw heavy fighting throughout the war.
Explore Further
Brian Bradshaw 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.
