Koppenhafer, Scott Aaron

Also known as: GYSGT, 2D MAR RDR BN, MRR, MARFORSOC, CAMP LEJEUNE NC

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedAugust 10, 2019

Age35 years old

Location of DeathMOSUL, IRAQ

Cause of DeathEnemy small arms fire during a partnered raid.

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

Gunnery Sergeant Scott Aaron Koppenhafer, 35, of Mancos, Colorado, was a U.S. Marine with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. He was killed in Mosul, Iraq, on August 10, 2019, during Operation Inherent Resolve.

Their Story

Scott Aaron Koppenhafer was a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. A native of Mancos, Colorado, he was 35 years old at the time of his final deployment to Iraq.

According to U.S. military statements, Koppenhafer was killed by enemy small arms fire on August 10, 2019, while advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces during a mission in Mosul. The operation was part of a targeted raid against ISIS militants. An Iraqi soldier was also reportedly killed in the same engagement.

Koppenhafer's death occurred during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. By mid-2019, the coalition had shifted from large-scale combat operations to an advise, assist, and enable mission following the territorial defeat of the ISIS caliphate earlier that year. However, targeted counter-terrorism raids against remaining ISIS cells continued.

The Marine Corps confirmed his death the following day. Koppenhafer was posthumously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He was survived by his wife and two children.

His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and the Purple Heart, which were awarded posthumously. He had previously been decorated for valor in combat, including a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.