Butz, James Arlan
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist James Arlan Butz, 21, of Porter, Indiana, was killed in a hostile incident in Mirmandab, Afghanistan, on September 29, 2011.
Their Story
James Arlan Butz was a 21-year-old soldier from Porter, Indiana. He served as a Specialist with the Army's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On September 29, 2011, Butz was killed in Mirmandab, a village in Wardak province, Afghanistan. According to U.S. military reports, his unit was engaged by enemy small arms fire during a dismounted patrol. He was one of two U.S. soldiers killed in the engagement.
Butz's 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 heavily engaged in counterinsurgency operations, particularly in eastern provinces like Wardak, where partnered patrols with Afghan forces were common.
Following his death, the Department of Defense officially announced his loss. His body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held at Fort Bragg, and he was buried in his home state of Indiana.
Specialist Butz was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other service medals. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.
Explore Further
James Butz 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.
