Kirspel, Michael Dana Jr

Michael Dana Kirspel Jr. was a 23-year-old from Hopatcong, New Jersey. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, assigned to Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York.

On October 27, 2010, Kirspel was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a mounted patrol. The incident occurred in the district of Qaisar, in Afghanistan's northern Faryab province, approximately 25 kilometers south of the district center.

Kirspel's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2010, the conflict was marked by a sustained insurgency and high levels of violence, with IEDs being a leading cause of casualties for coalition forces.

His death was reported by the Department of Defense. He was survived by his parents and a sister. A memorial service was held at Fort Drum, and he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations.

Sergeant Kirspel is remembered on memorials in his hometown and at Fort Drum. His name is inscribed on Panel 3W, Line 129 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum.

Sergeant Kirspel 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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