Emmons, Richard Charlton Iii
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Richard Charlton Emmons III, 22, of North Granby, Connecticut, died on May 31, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Richard Charlton Emmons III was a 22-year-old soldier from North Granby, Connecticut. He served as a Specialist (SPC) in the United States Army, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Polk, Louisiana.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Emmons died on May 31, 2011, from wounds sustained in a hostile incident at Forward Operating Base Shank. The base, located in Logar Province, was a major hub for U.S. and coalition forces in a volatile region south of Kabul. Official reports listed his death as the result of enemy small arms fire.
Emmons was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. His death occurred during the latter stages of a significant troop surge ordered in 2009, a period marked by intense counterinsurgency operations and high combat casualties.
His death was announced by the Department of Defense. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations. Local news reports from Connecticut noted his passing and the community's mourning.
Specialist Emmons is memorialized on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Connecticut State Capitol and on online veterans' memorials. His name is inscribed on Panel 30E, Line 13 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Georgia.
Explore Further
Specialist Emmons 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.
