Darrough, James Michael

James Michael Darrough was a 38-year-old sergeant from Austin, Texas, serving with the U.S. Army. He was assigned to Detachment C, 101st Finance Management Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His unit deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On October 29, 2011, Sergeant Darrough was killed by enemy small-arms fire in Bagram, according to the Department of Defense. The incident occurred at Bagram Airfield, a major coalition base north of Kabul. He was one of two U.S. soldiers killed in the attack, which reportedly involved an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform.

Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan, launched in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission initially focused on dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power. By 2011, the conflict had evolved into a protracted counterinsurgency and nation-building effort, with Bagram serving as a central logistical and operational hub for coalition forces.

The Department of Defense officially announced Darrough's death on October 30, 2011. He was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. His remains were returned to the United States, and he was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Sergeant Darrough is remembered on memorial walls at Fort Campbell and within the 101st Airborne Division. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the University of Texas at Austin, which honors alumni who died in the conflict.

SGT James Darrough 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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