Stifter, Joseph Francis

Also known as: SGT, BATTERY B, 1ST BATTALION, 7TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, 2ND ABCT, FORT RILEY, KS

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedJanuary 28, 2016

Age30 years old

Location of DeathAL ASAD, IRAQ

Cause of DeathNon-combat incident

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

U.S. Army Sergeant Joseph Francis Stifter, 30, of Glendale, California, was killed in action on January 28, 2016, at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.

Their Story

Joseph Francis Stifter was a 30-year-old sergeant from Glendale, California. He served with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Riley, Kansas. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

On January 28, 2016, Sergeant Stifter died at Al Asad Airbase in Anbar Province, Iraq. The Department of Defense announced his death was the result of a non-combat incident. The specific circumstances of the incident were not detailed in the initial release.

Stifter's death occurred during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS). In early 2016, ISIS controlled significant territory in Iraq and Syria, and Al Asad Airbase was a major coalition hub for training Iraqi forces and launching operations.

The Army released a statement confirming his death and extending condolences to his family. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. His remains were returned to the United States.

Sergeant Stifter is remembered by his unit and community. His name is inscribed on the 1st Infantry Division Memorial at Fort Riley and is included in memorials honoring those who died in the conflict against ISIS.