Hallett, John Louis Iii
Male
Verified Captain John Louis Hallett III, 30, of Dupont, California, was a U.S. Army officer serving with the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment. He was killed in a roadside bomb attack in Sha Wali Kot, Afghanistan, on August 25, 2009.
Their Story
John Louis Hallett III was a 30-year-old Army captain from Dupont, California. He was assigned as a company commander to Company A, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis, Washington. He deployed to Afghanistan in July 2009 as part of a brigade sent to reinforce U.S. and allied forces in the country's south.
On August 25, 2009, Captain Hallett was traveling in a convoy in the Sha Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. His vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), a roadside bomb. The blast killed him and three other soldiers from his battalion: Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke, and Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney. The attack occurred during a period of intense fighting in the region.
The soldiers were part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In the summer of 2009, U.S. forces were engaged in a major troop surge, focusing on clearing Taliban strongholds in southern provinces like Kandahar. The 5th Stryker Brigade was among the units deployed for this offensive, facing frequent IED attacks and direct combat.
Captain Hallett's death was reported by the Department of Defense and multiple news outlets. His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California. A memorial service was also held at Fort Lewis. His family, including his wife and two young children, received condolences from military officials and his community.
Captain Hallett was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. In 2010, a memorial stone was dedicated in his honor at Dupont's Veterans Memorial. He is remembered by fellow soldiers as a dedicated leader who cared deeply for the men under his command.
Explore Further
Captain Hallett 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.
