Daehling, Mitchell Kirk

Mitchell Kirk Daehling was a 24-year-old soldier from Dalton, Massachusetts. He served as a Specialist in Company A, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Bliss, Texas. His service reportedly included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.

On May 14, 2013, Daehling was killed in Zharay District, a volatile agricultural region in Kandahar Province. According to U.S. military reports, his unit was struck by an improvised explosive device while on patrol. The attack also killed four other U.S. soldiers from the same battalion: Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Bowden, Spc. Brandon J. Prescott, Pfc. Brian R. Arsenault, and Pfc. Richard L. McNulty III.

Daehling's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2013, the conflict was in a phase where international forces were conducting counterinsurgency operations and training Afghan national security forces, with a focus on provinces like Kandahar.

Following the incident, the Department of Defense officially announced the casualties. Daehling's body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held at Fort Bliss, and he was buried with military honors in his home state of Massachusetts.

Daehling's name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, which honors state residents who died in the conflict. He is also listed on the online memorial of the 1st Armored Division, his brigade's higher command.

Mitchell Daehling 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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