Desforges, Joshua David

Joshua David Desforges was a 23-year-old from Ludlow, Massachusetts, who served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, of the I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

On May 12, 2010, Sgt. Desforges was killed by hostile fire during combat operations in the Marjeh district of Afghanistan's Helmand province. The operation was part of a larger coalition offensive to secure the area, a center of Taliban activity at the time.

His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The conflict involved coalition forces, the Afghan government, and insurgent groups including the Taliban.

According to news reports from his hometown, his body was returned to Massachusetts with a police escort, and a funeral was held in Ludlow. The governor ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor.

Sgt. Desforges was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He is remembered by his family and community, and his name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Massachusetts State House.

Sgt. Desforges 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.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record