Moquin, Brian Michael Jr
Male
Verified Private First Class Brian Michael Moquin Jr., 19, of Worcester, Massachusetts, was killed in action on May 5, 2006, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, while serving with the U.S. Army.
Their Story
Brian Michael Moquin Jr. was a 19-year-old soldier from Worcester, Massachusetts. He served as a Private First Class with Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Task Force Spartan), based at Fort Drum, New York. His unit had deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On May 5, 2006, Moquin was killed in Kunar Province, a mountainous region in eastern Afghanistan along the border with Pakistan. According to U.S. military reports, he died when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed. The incident occurred during combat operations. The crash also killed nine other U.S. service members.
Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan, began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. By 2006, the conflict had entered a phase of intensified counterinsurgency operations, particularly in the volatile eastern provinces like Kunar and neighboring Nuristan. These areas were strongholds for Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliated fighters.
The Department of Defense announced the casualties on May 6, 2006. Moquin's body was returned to the United States. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. His funeral was held in Worcester.
Brian Moquin's name is inscribed on the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial in Boston's Seaport District. He is remembered by his family, fellow soldiers, and his hometown community.
Explore Further
Brian Moquin 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.
