James, Errol Melvin
Male
Verified U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Errol Melvin James, 29, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, was killed in action on August 4, 2008, at Forward Operating Base Torkham, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Staff Sergeant Errol Melvin James was a 29-year-old soldier from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He served with the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, based in Ansbach, Germany. His service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
James died on August 4, 2008, at Forward Operating Base Torkham in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, near the border with Pakistan. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, he was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on guard duty.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2008, the conflict was marked by a significant Taliban resurgence and intense fighting in eastern provinces like Nangarhar, where insurgents frequently attacked coalition bases and patrols.
The Army posthumously promoted James to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was survived by his wife and children. A memorial service was held for him in Ansbach, Germany, where his unit was based.
James is listed on the Fallen Heroes Memorial website and is remembered by his unit and community. His name is inscribed on the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, which honors those killed at the Pentagon and in Afghanistan as part of the ensuing operations.
Explore Further
Staff Sergeant James 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.
