De La Rosa, Fernando
Male
Verified Sgt. Fernando De La Rosa, 24, of Alamo, Texas, was a U.S. Army infantryman. He was killed in a hostile incident in Afghanistan's Arghandab River Valley on October 27, 2009.
Their Story
Fernando De La Rosa was a 24-year-old sergeant from Alamo, Texas. He served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, part of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis, Washington.
On October 27, 2009, De La Rosa died in the Arghandab River Valley of Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense stated his death was the result of hostile action. Reports from the time indicate his unit was engaged in clearing operations in the valley, a known Taliban stronghold near Kandahar City.
De La Rosa's death occurred during a period of Operation Enduring Freedom marked by a significant U.S. troop surge. The Arghandab Valley was a focal point of intense fighting in 2009, as coalition forces sought to disrupt insurgent networks ahead of national elections.
The Pentagon announced his death the following day. He was survived by his mother and other family members. His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors in his home state of Texas.
Sgt. De La Rosa was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at Fort Benning and is listed on the online memorial of the 5th Stryker Brigade.
Explore Further
Sgt. Fernando De La Rosa 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.
