Wiens, Kory Duane
Male
Verified Kory Duane Wiens, 20, was a U.S. Army Private First Class from Independence, Oregon. He was killed in a roadside bomb explosion on July 6, 2007, in Muhammad Sath, Iraq.
Their Story
Kory Duane Wiens was born on August 6, 1986, and grew up in Independence, Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned as a dog handler to the 94th Engineer Detachment (K-9), part of the 1st Brigade based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On July 6, 2007, Wiens and his military working dog, Cooper, were conducting a patrol in the town of Muhammad Sath, southeast of Baghdad. Their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Both Wiens and his dog were killed in the blast. A fellow soldier, Specialist Steven Christofferson, 20, of Cudahy, Wisconsin, also died in the same attack.
Operation Iraqi Freedom was a U.S.-led military campaign that began with an invasion in March 2003. The conflict involved coalition forces, the new Iraqi government, and various insurgent groups. By 2007, the year of Wiens's death, violence was widespread, with IEDs being a primary cause of casualties for U.S. troops.
Wiens's death was reported by multiple news outlets, including The Oregonian, which noted his role as a dog handler. The Army posthumously promoted him to the rank of Private First Class. His family and community in Oregon held memorial services.
Wiens is remembered for his bond with his dog, Cooper, who was also given a full military funeral. Their story has been cited in discussions about the role and sacrifice of military working dogs and their handlers. A memorial was later established in his hometown.
Explore Further
PFC Kory Wiens 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.
