Hogan, Donald James

Donald James Hogan was born on May 28, 1989, and grew up in San Clemente, California. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Pendleton. He deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2009 as part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

On August 26, 2009, Hogan was on a foot patrol in the Nawa District of Helmand province. According to military reports, he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated near him. The incident occurred during a major U.S. and allied offensive, Operation Khanjar, which had begun in July to clear Taliban fighters from the region.

Hogan's death came during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In the summer of 2009, U.S. forces, particularly Marines, were engaged in a significant troop surge aimed at securing population centers in southern Afghanistan, like Helmand, from insurgent control.

Following his death, Hogan was posthumously promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His body was returned to the United States, and a memorial service was held in San Clemente.

Hogan is remembered by his family and community as a dedicated Marine. In 2010, a post office in his hometown was renamed in his honor. His name is inscribed on the South Orange County Veterans Memorial in Lake Forest, California.

Lance Corporal Hogan 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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