Wentz, Cody Lee

Cody Lee Wentz was a 21-year-old soldier from Williston, North Dakota. He served as a Specialist in the North Dakota Army National Guard, assigned to A Company, 141st Engineer Battalion, which was part of the 1st Infantry Division.

On November 4, 2004, Wentz was killed in Tarmiyah, Iraq, a town north of Baghdad often referred to by the military as "Tampa." According to the Department of Defense, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) while he was on patrol.

Wentz died during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a conflict that began with a U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. By late 2004, the mission had shifted to counter-insurgency operations, with IEDs becoming a primary cause of casualties for coalition forces.

His death was reported by the Associated Press and local North Dakota media. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. A memorial service was held in Williston.

Wentz is remembered on the North Dakota Veterans Memorial and the Iraq War Memorial in Williston. His name is inscribed on Panel 2E, Row 11 of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, which honors those killed in the 2001 attack and subsequent wars.

Wentz 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.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record