Lay, Patrick Lewis Ii

Patrick Lewis Lay II was a 21-year-old soldier from Bradenton, North Carolina. He served as a Specialist in the U.S. Army, assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, New York.

On August 11, 2011, Specialist Lay was killed by enemy small-arms fire while on patrol in the Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan. The Department of Defense announced his death the following day, confirming he died of wounds sustained in a hostile incident.

Lay's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2011, Kandahar province was a major area of operations for coalition and Afghan forces, with frequent engagements against insurgent fighters.

His body was returned to the United States. A funeral service was held in his hometown of Bradenton, where he was remembered by family and fellow soldiers. The Patriot Guard Riders attended to honor his service.

Specialist Lay was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other commendations. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Bradenton.

Patrick Lewis Lay II 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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