Knutson, Sara Marie
Female
Verified Captain Sara Marie Knutson, 27, of Eldersburg, Maryland, was a U.S. Army officer serving with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. She was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on March 11, 2013.
Their Story
Sara Marie Knutson was a 27-year-old Army captain from Eldersburg, Maryland. She served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. According to the Department of Defense, she had deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Captain Knutson died on March 11, 2013, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announced her death the following day, stating she was killed in action. No further operational details about the specific incident were released in the initial announcement.
Her death occurred during the final years of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2013, the conflict was in a phase focused on transitioning security responsibilities to Afghan forces, though combat operations continued, particularly in regions like Kandahar.
Her death was reported by several national and local news outlets. The Army Times and The Baltimore Sun published articles confirming her passing and noting her Maryland roots. Public records indicate she was later laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain Knutson is memorialized on the Afghanistan War casualty lists maintained by the Department of Defense and on the website of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. Her name appears on the Fallen Heroes Memorial page for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Explore Further
Captain Sara Marie Knutson 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.
