Gathercole, Christopher
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Gathercole, 21, of Santa Rosa, California, was killed in Ghazni, Afghanistan on May 26, 2008. He was a Ranger assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Their Story
Christopher Gathercole was a Specialist in the United States Army, assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was from Santa Rosa, California, and was 21 years old at the time of his death. According to military records, his service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On May 26, 2008, Specialist Gathercole was killed by enemy small-arms fire during a combat operation in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. The operation was part of a larger mission in the region, which was a known area of Taliban activity and insurgent strength at the time.
Gathercole's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2008, the conflict was in a phase characterized by a resurgent Taliban and increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and direct fire against coalition forces, particularly in provinces like Ghazni.
His death was announced by the Department of Defense. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. A memorial service was held at Fort Lewis.
He is remembered on memorial walls at Fort Benning and by his regiment. In 2009, a street on the former Fort Ord was named 'Gathercole Way' in his honor.
Explore Further
Spc. Christopher Gathercole 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.
