Drake, David Andrew
Male
Verified Private First Class David Andrew Drake, 21, of Lumberton, Texas, was a U.S. Army engineer killed in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, on September 28, 2011.
Their Story
David Andrew Drake was from Lumberton, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 515th Engineer Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was 21 years old when he deployed to Afghanistan.
On September 28, 2011, Private First Class Drake was killed in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense stated his death was the result of hostile enemy action. He was reportedly part of a route clearance patrol, a dangerous mission focused on finding and disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Drake was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The war saw intense counterinsurgency and nation-building efforts, with IEDs becoming a primary cause of coalition casualties. Ghazni province, south of Kabul, was a known transit and insurgent stronghold.
His body was returned to Texas. A memorial service was held in Lumberton, and he was buried with military honors. The Army posthumously awarded him the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations.
He is remembered on memorials in his hometown and at Fort Leonard Wood. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Lumberton Independent School District, where he was a graduate.
Explore Further
David Drake 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.
