Mckenna, Peter Andrew Jr

Also known as: 1SG, COMPANY A, 1ST BATTALION, 7TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, EGLIN AFB, FL

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedAugust 8, 2015

Age35 years old

Location of DeathKABUL, AFGHANISTAN

Cause of DeathKilled by enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Conflict Operation Freedom's Sentinel

First Sergeant Peter Andrew Mckenna Jr., 35, of Bristol, Rhode Island, was a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier. He was killed in a hostile attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 8, 2015.

Their Story

First Sergeant Peter Andrew Mckenna Jr. was a 35-year-old soldier from Bristol, Rhode Island. He served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

On August 8, 2015, Mckenna was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to U.S. Department of Defense statements, he died from wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. The attack occurred near the Kabul International Airport.

Mckenna's death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. military mission that succeeded Operation Enduring Freedom on January 1, 2015. The operation's stated objectives were to train, advise, and assist Afghan security forces and conduct counterterrorism missions against remnants of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Following his death, the U.S. Army confirmed the incident and extended condolences to his family. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. His body was returned to Rhode Island, where a funeral service was held.

First Sergeant Mckenna was a veteran of multiple combat deployments. He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated senior non-commissioned officer. His name is inscribed on the Global War on Terrorism memorials.