Fenty, Joseph James Jr
Male
Verified U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Joseph James Fenty Jr., 41, of Ronkonkoma, New York, was killed in a helicopter crash in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on May 5, 2006.
Their Story
Joseph James Fenty Jr. was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, assigned as commander of the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York. He had previously served in the Philippines and the Horn of Africa.
On May 5, 2006, Fenty was aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter that crashed in a mountainous area of Kunar Province, near the town of Asadabad. The crash occurred during a combat mission. All ten U.S. soldiers on board were killed. The U.S. military stated the crash was not caused by hostile fire, attributing it to adverse weather and low visibility.
Fenty died during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2006, the conflict had entered a phase of intensified combat in the country's eastern provinces, where insurgent forces were regrouping and using rugged terrain to their advantage.
His death was reported by major news outlets, including The New York Times and the Department of Defense. The Army posthumously awarded him the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. He was survived by his wife and parents.
Fenty is memorialized at Arlington National Cemetery. The 10th Mountain Division later named a forward operating base in Afghanistan 'FOB Fenty' in his honor.
Explore Further
Joseph Fenty 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.
