Hemauer, Kyle Matthew

Kyle Matthew Hemauer was a 21-year-old native of Manassas, Virginia. He served as a specialist in the Virginia Army National Guard, assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 29th Infantry Division, part of Task Force Normandy.

On May 23, 2005, Hemauer was killed during combat operations in Zabul province, southern Afghanistan. According to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports, his unit was engaged by enemy forces. He died from wounds sustained in the engagement.

Hemauer's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2005, U.S. and coalition forces were engaged in counterinsurgency operations against Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters, with Zabul province being a known area of insurgent activity.

His death was reported by multiple news outlets, including The Washington Post, which noted he was the first Virginia National Guard soldier killed in Afghanistan. He was survived by his parents and a sister.

Hemauer was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the National Infantry Museum's memorial at Fort Benning, Georgia, and he is remembered at local memorials in Virginia.

Spc. Hemauer 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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