Leimbach, David Lee

David Lee Leimbach was a 38-year-old sergeant from Taylors, South Carolina. He served with the South Carolina Army National Guard's Company B, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, based in Fountain Inn. According to military records, his service included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.

On May 25, 2008, Sergeant Leimbach was killed in the Bala Baluk district of Afghanistan's Farah province. The Department of Defense stated his death resulted from hostile action. Reports from the time indicate the incident involved an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during a patrol.

Leimbach's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2008, the conflict was in a phase characterized by a resurgence of Taliban insurgent activity, particularly in southern and western provinces like Farah, where asymmetric tactics including IEDs were frequently employed.

The Department of Defense officially announced his death on May 27, 2008. He was survived by his wife and children. A memorial service was held in South Carolina, where he was remembered by his unit and community.

Sergeant Leimbach's name is inscribed on the South Carolina Fallen Heroes Memorial. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. His battalion, the 118th Infantry, traces its lineage to World War I and has deployed multiple times since 2001.

Sergeant Leimbach 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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