King, Ryan Charles
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Ryan Charles King, 22, of Dallas, Georgia, was killed in a hostile incident on May 1, 2009, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Ryan Charles King was a 22-year-old soldier from Dallas, Georgia. He served with Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based out of Fort Hood, Texas. His military service reportedly included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.
On May 1, 2009, Specialist King died from wounds sustained in a hostile incident at the Bagram Airfield Military Airfield Command Post (BAF MACP) in Parwan province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announced his death the following day. According to reports, the incident involved an attack on the base perimeter.
King was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2009, the conflict was in a period of intensified fighting as international forces sought to counter a resurgent Taliban and other insurgent groups. Bagram Airfield, a major coalition hub north of Kabul, was a frequent target for rocket and mortar attacks.
Following his death, King's body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Dallas, Georgia, where he was remembered by family, friends, and fellow soldiers. His name is inscribed on the Georgia Veterans Memorial Wall in Warner Robins.
Ryan King is survived by his parents and siblings. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other military honors. In 2010, a memorial run was held at Fort Hood in his honor.
Explore Further
Ryan King 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.
