Kirven, Nicholas Cain
Male
Verified Cpl. Nicholas Cain Kirven, 21, of Richmond, Virginia, was a U.S. Marine killed during a combat operation in Alishang, Afghanistan, on May 8, 2005.
Their Story
Nicholas Cain Kirven was a 21-year-old corporal from Richmond, Virginia, serving with the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay.
On May 8, 2005, Kirven was part of a Marine patrol conducting a search for weapons in the Alishang district of Laghman province, eastern Afghanistan. According to U.S. military reports, the patrol came under small-arms fire from enemy forces. Kirven and another Marine, Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Erdy, were killed in the ensuing firefight.
Kirven's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In the spring of 2005, U.S. and coalition forces were engaged in counterinsurgency operations against Taliban and other militant groups, particularly in the country's eastern provinces.
The Department of Defense announced Kirven's death on May 9, 2005. His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. A memorial service was also held for him in Richmond.
Kirven was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. In 2006, a memorial plaque was dedicated in his honor at Deep Run High School in Henrico County, Virginia, which he attended.
Explore Further
Cpl. Kirven 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.
