Crane, Richard Michael
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Richard Michael Crane, 25, of Independence, Missouri, died on February 8, 2005, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Richard Michael Crane was a Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served with Detachment 1, 325th Field Hospital, a unit based in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, his service reportedly included assignments in the Philippines and the Horn of Africa.
On February 8, 2005, Crane was killed in action at Kandahar Airfield, a major coalition base in southern Afghanistan. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, he died from injuries sustained when his convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Crane's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The operation aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime from power in Afghanistan.
His death was recorded in the Defense Casualty Analysis System. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, according to military records. His remains were returned to the United States.
Specialist Crane is memorialized on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and on the website of the U.S. Army's Fallen Warriors. He is survived by family in Independence.
Explore Further
Richard Michael Crane 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: Santos, Dave Michael Maliksi, Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif.
