West, Christopher John Lee
Male
Verified Christopher John Lee West, 26, was a U.S. Army corporal from Arlington, Texas. He died in Balad, Iraq, on February 4, 2008, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Their Story
Corporal Christopher John Lee West was a 26-year-old soldier from Arlington, Texas. He served as a cavalry scout with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On February 4, 2008, West was killed in Balad, Iraq, north of Baghdad. According to the Department of Defense, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during a mounted patrol. He was one of two soldiers from his unit who died in the blast.
West's death occurred during the final year of the U.S. military 'surge' in Iraq, a period marked by a temporary increase in troop levels. While overall violence had declined from its peak in 2006-2007, insurgent attacks, particularly with IEDs, remained a persistent threat to coalition forces operating outside secure bases.
West's body was returned to the United States, and he was buried at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. His family and community in Arlington held memorial services in his honor.
He is memorialized on the Iraq War Veterans Memorial and by his unit. His name is listed on the 73rd Cavalry Regiment's memorial at Fort Bragg.
Explore Further
Corporal West 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.
