Wilke, James Brian
Male
Verified Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Brian Wilke, 38, of Ione, California, was a U.S. Army air defense artillery officer. He was killed in action on October 10, 2011, at Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar.
Their Story
Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Brian Wilke was a 38-year-old soldier from Ione, California. He served on active duty with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, part of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade based at Fort Bliss, Texas.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Wilke died on October 10, 2011, from wounds sustained in a rocket attack on Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar. The base, a major coalition hub, was reportedly struck by indirect fire. He was the only U.S. service member killed in the incident.
Wilke's death occurred during Operation New Dawn, the final phase of the U.S. military mission in Iraq that began in September 2010. The operation focused on advising and assisting Iraqi security forces as U.S. combat troops withdrew. The conflict formally concluded with the U.S. withdrawal in December 2011.
Wilke's body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held for him at Fort Bliss. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
He is remembered by his unit and community. His name is inscribed on the Fort Bliss memorial and is included in the Iraq War section of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sacramento.
Explore Further
James Brian Wilke was killed during Operation New Dawn (2010?2011). The conflict concluded in December 2011. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Jenkins, Phillip Chad, Mcclamrock, James Fleet, Hansen, James Arthur, Burner, John Franklin Iii.
