Fuga, Michael Tauae

Sergeant First Class Michael Tauae Fuga was a 47-year-old soldier from Nu'uuli, American Samoa. He served with the 209th Regional Corps Assistance Group, part of Task Force Phoenix, which was based out of Fort Hood, Texas. His military service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.

On September 9, 2006, Fuga was killed in Qalat, the capital of Zabul province in southeastern Afghanistan. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during a convoy operation. He was the sole casualty reported from the incident.

Fuga's death occurred during a period of intensified Taliban activity in Afghanistan. Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led campaign that began in October 2001, was in its fifth year. Insurgent tactics, including the widespread use of IEDs against coalition and Afghan forces, were a leading cause of casualties.

Following his death, Fuga was posthumously promoted from Staff Sergeant to Sergeant First Class. He was survived by his wife and children. A memorial service was held for him at Fort Hood.

His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum. He is also listed on the Defense Casualty Analysis System and memorialized by veterans' organizations honoring soldiers from American Samoa.

SFC Michael Fuga 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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