Justesen, Anthony T
Male
Verified Private First Class Anthony T. Justesen, 22, of Wilsonville, Oregon, was a U.S. Army cavalry scout. He was killed in action on June 23, 2010, in Ganjkin village, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Private First Class Anthony T. Justesen was a 22-year-old soldier from Wilsonville, Oregon. He served as a cavalry scout with Troop B, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. According to military records, his service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On June 23, 2010, PFC Justesen was on a dismounted patrol in Ganjkin village, located in the volatile Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense stated his unit was engaged by enemy small-arms fire. Justesen was reportedly killed during this hostile engagement.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In mid-2010, coalition forces were conducting a major offensive, Operation Hamkari, in Kandahar province, which included clearing operations in districts like Zhari where insurgent forces were entrenched.
The Department of Defense officially announced his death on June 25, 2010. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Specialist. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal. His remains were returned to Oregon, where he was buried with military honors.
He is remembered on memorials in his hometown and by his unit. His name is inscribed on the Oregon Fallen War Heroes Memorial in Salem.
Explore Further
Spc. Anthony Justesen 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.
