Cemper, Joseph Brian
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Joseph Brian Cemper, 21, of Warrensburg, Missouri, was killed by hostile action at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan, on April 16, 2011.
Their Story
Joseph Brian Cemper was a 21-year-old soldier from Warrensburg, Missouri. He served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, part of the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
On April 16, 2011, Cemper was killed at Forward Operating Base Gamberi in Laghman Province, eastern Afghanistan. According to U.S. military reports, the base came under indirect fire, a term for mortar or rocket attacks, from insurgent forces. Cemper was one of two U.S. soldiers killed in the attack.
Cemper died during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2011, the conflict was characterized by insurgent attacks on coalition bases and a significant U.S. troop presence, particularly in eastern provinces like Laghman.
Following his death, the Department of Defense officially announced his death. Local media in Missouri reported on his passing and his connection to the Warrensburg community.
Specialist Cemper was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other service medals. His name is inscribed on the Warrensburg Veterans Memorial in Missouri.
Explore Further
Joseph Cemper 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.
