Ewens, Forrest Pinkerton
Male
Verified First Lieutenant Forrest Pinkerton Ewens, 25, of Gig Harbor, Washington, was killed in action on June 16, 2006, in the Pech River Valley, Afghanistan, while serving with the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Their Story
Forrest Pinkerton Ewens was a 25-year-old first lieutenant from Gig Harbor, Washington. He served with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York. His unit was deployed as part of Task Force Spartan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On June 16, 2006, Ewens was killed during combat operations in the Pech River Valley of Afghanistan's Kunar Province. According to U.S. military reports, his unit was engaged in a firefight with anti-coalition militia forces when he was fatally wounded.
By 2006, Operation Enduring Freedom was in its fifth year. The Pech River Valley was a known insurgent transit and staging area, characterized by intense and frequent combat. U.S. and coalition forces conducted counterinsurgency operations there to disrupt militant networks, often facing ambushes and improvised explosive devices.
The Department of Defense announced Ewens's death on June 19, 2006. He was survived by his parents and a sister. His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors.
First Lieutenant Ewens was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. He is remembered on memorials in his hometown and by his unit.
Explore Further
First Lieutenant Forrest Ewens 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.
