Whitham, Chase Ryan
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Chase Ryan Whitham, 21, of Harrisburg, Oregon, was killed in action on May 8, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq.
Their Story
Chase Ryan Whitham was a 21-year-old soldier from Harrisburg, Oregon. He served as a Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) based at Fort Lewis, Washington. He deployed to Iraq in late 2003.
On May 8, 2004, Whitham was killed during a firefight in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, his unit was conducting combat operations when he was struck by small arms fire.
Whitham died during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign that began with an invasion in March 2003. By May 2004, U.S. and coalition forces were engaged in intense counterinsurgency operations across Iraq, with Mosul a significant center of activity.
His death was reported by the Department of Defense and noted in local Oregon media. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.
Chase Whitham is remembered by family and in his community. A memorial scholarship was reportedly established in his name at Harrisburg High School, where he graduated in 2001.
Explore Further
Chase Whitham 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.
