Eckard, Christopher William

Christopher William Eckard was a 30-year-old Gunnery Sergeant from Hickory, North Carolina. He served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His unit specialized in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).

On February 20, 2010, Eckard was killed by hostile action while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announcement did not provide further specifics on the incident, citing standard policy for operational security.

Eckard's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2010, U.S. and allied forces were engaged in a major offensive, Operation Moshtarak, in Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold and center of the opium trade. The operation aimed to clear insurgents from population centers.

Following his death, Eckard was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with combat 'V' for valor. His funeral was held in his hometown of Hickory. The Marine Corps stated he had previously served in Iraq and was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Eckard is remembered on memorial walls at Camp Lejeune and within the EOD community. His name is inscribed on Panel 7W, Line 93 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum.

Gunnery Sergeant Eckard 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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