Villanueva, Javier Antonio
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Javier Antonio Villanueva, 25, of Temple, Texas, was killed in a hostile incident at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq on November 24, 2005.
Their Story
Javier Antonio Villanueva was a 25-year-old specialist from Temple, Texas. He served with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, based at Fort Irwin, California. The battalion was part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) during its deployment to Iraq.
On November 24, 2005, Villanueva died at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq's Anbar province. The Department of Defense stated his death was the result of a hostile incident. According to subsequent reports, the base came under indirect fire, which includes mortar or rocket attacks.
Villanueva was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a conflict that began with a U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. By late 2005, the war had entered a phase of sustained insurgency, with frequent attacks on coalition bases and personnel, particularly in western Anbar province.
The Department of Defense announced his death on November 26, 2005. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. His remains were returned to Texas for burial.
He is remembered on memorials in his hometown and by his unit. His name is inscribed on the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's memorial at Fort Irwin and on the Iraq War Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Park in Temple.
Explore Further
Javier Villanueva was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2010). The conflict concluded in August 2010. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Kennedy, Brian Matthew, Beaupre, Ryan Anthony, Gutierrez, Jose, Waters-bey, Kendall Damon.
