Burnett, Dustin Kelby

Dustin Kelby Burnett was a 19-year-old from Fort Mohave, Arizona, who enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Hospitalman, a medical specialist, and was assigned to support the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1stMarDiv/2/7/1MEF). His service reportedly included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.

Burnett died on June 20, 2008, in Farah Province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he was killed by hostile fire while supporting combat operations. The specific incident was not detailed in the initial casualty report, but his death was recorded as occurring in a province known for insurgent activity.

By 2008, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan was in its seventh year. The Taliban had regrouped and intensified its campaign, particularly in southern and western provinces like Farah. Improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and direct fire engagements against U.S. and allied forces increased significantly during this period, contributing to a rise in annual combat deaths.

Burnett's death was announced by the Department of Defense. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors.

Burnett is memorialized on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Park in Bullhead City, Arizona, near his hometown. His name is also inscribed on Panel 52W, Line 19 of the Afghanistan Conflict Memorial Wall at the National Museum of the United States Army.

Hospitalman Burnett 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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