Falkel, Christopher Matthew

Christopher Matthew Falkel was born on July 1, 1983, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He served as a Special Forces communications sergeant.

On August 8, 2005, Falkel was part of a joint U.S.-Afghan patrol conducting a reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Deh Afghan, a village near Kandahar. According to military reports, the patrol was ambushed by enemy forces. Falkel was killed by small-arms fire during the engagement.

Falkel's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The mission aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. In 2005, U.S. and coalition forces were engaged in counterinsurgency operations across southern provinces like Kandahar.

Following his death, Falkel was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His remains were returned to the United States. A memorial service was held in Colorado.

Falkel is memorialized at Fort Bragg and in his hometown. The 3rd Special Forces Group dedicated a memorial stone in his honor. His name is inscribed on the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Wall at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Memorial Plaza.

Staff Sergeant Falkel 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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