Watson, David Lee
Male
Verified David Lee Watson, 29, was a U.S. Army corporal from Newport, Arkansas. He was killed in action on September 22, 2007, in Baqubah, Iraq.
Their Story
David Lee Watson was a 29-year-old U.S. Army corporal from Newport, Arkansas. He served as an active-duty soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Lewis, Washington.
On September 22, 2007, Corporal Watson was killed during combat operations in Baqubah, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province. The Department of Defense announced his death the following day, stating he died of wounds sustained from enemy small-arms fire during a dismounted patrol.
His death occurred during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a conflict that began with a U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. By late 2007, U.S. and Iraqi forces were engaged in intense counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Diyala province, which was a stronghold for Sunni militant groups including al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Corporal Watson's body was returned to the United States. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Newport.
Watson is memorialized on the Iraq War Veterans Memorial and by his unit. His name is listed on the Fallen Heroes Memorial website, which documents service members killed in the conflict.
Explore Further
David Lee Watson 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.
