Kennedy, Thomas Elliott
Male
Verified U.S. Army Major Thomas Elliott Kennedy, 35, of West Point, New York, was killed in a hostile incident in Sarkowi, Afghanistan, on August 8, 2012.
Their Story
Major Thomas Elliott Kennedy was a 35-year-old officer from West Point, New York. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. His service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On August 8, 2012, Major Kennedy was killed in Sarkowi, a village in the Maidan Wardak province of Afghanistan. According to U.S. military reports, he was shot by a member of the Afghan National Army in what was described as an insider attack, also known as a 'green-on-blue' incident.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. The war involved coalition forces, the Afghan government, and insurgent groups including the Taliban. Insider attacks became a significant tactical concern for international forces in 2012.
The Pentagon confirmed Kennedy's death the following day. He was posthumously promoted from the rank of Captain to Major. His awards included the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
Major Kennedy was remembered by his unit as a dedicated leader. A memorial service was held at Fort Carson. He is listed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Colorado Springs Veterans Memorial.
Explore Further
Major Kennedy 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.
