Harris, Christopher Michael
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina, was killed in a hostile incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on August 2, 2017.
Their Story
Christopher Michael Harris was a 25-year-old soldier from Jackson Springs, North Carolina. He served as a Specialist with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On August 2, 2017, Harris was killed by small arms fire during a dismounted patrol in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The U.S. Department of Defense stated he died of wounds sustained in a combat engagement. He was reportedly part of a mission advising and assisting Afghan forces.
Harris's death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S.-led NATO mission that succeeded the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in January 2015. The operation focused on training, advising, and assisting Afghan security forces and conducting counter-terrorism missions, primarily against the Taliban and ISIS-K.
Following his death, the 82nd Airborne Division issued a statement mourning the loss. His body was returned to the United States, and a memorial service was held at Fort Bragg. His hometown community in North Carolina also held vigils in his honor.
Harris was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. He is remembered by his unit and family as a dedicated paratrooper. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at Fort Bragg.
Explore Further
Christopher Harris was killed during Operation Freedom's Sentinel (ongoing since January 2015). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Golden, Jonathan Joseph, Gonzalez, Jose Juan, Sanchez, Maria Victoria, Dawson, John Michael.
