Gonsalves, Chad Ayron
Male
Verified U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Chad Ayron Gonsalves, 31, of Turlock, California, was killed in hostile action on February 13, 2006, in Deh Rawod, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Sergeant First Class Chad Ayron Gonsalves was a 31-year-old Special Forces soldier from Turlock, California. He served with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His unit was part of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan.
On February 13, 2006, Gonsalves died in the town of Deh Rawod in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. According to U.S. military reports, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during a combat patrol. He was killed instantly in the blast.
Gonsalves was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2006, operations in southern provinces like Oruzgan involved counter-insurgency missions and efforts to train Afghan security forces.
Following his death, Gonsalves was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He was survived by his wife and two young children. A memorial service was held at Fort Bragg.
His name is inscribed on the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Turlock and on a memorial wall at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg. He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated soldier.
Explore Further
Chad Gonsalves 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: Santos, Dave Michael Maliksi, Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif.
