The Pentagon has identified a U.S. Army paratrooper killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq.
1st Lt. Weston Lee, 25, of Bluffton, Ga., a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, died while on patrol outside of Mosul, his division said in a statement Sunday. He was serving as an infantry officer assigned to 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
“1st Lieutenant Wes Lee was an extraordinary young man and officer. He was exactly the type of leader that our Paratroopers deserve,” said Col. Pat Work, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “Our sincere condolences and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
This was Lee’s first deployment, according to the statement.
In a separate statement from the Defense Department, it said Lee was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, which is the name of the anti-Islamic State operation. He died on April 29 due to injuries sustained while conducting security as part of advise and assist support to partnered forces, according to DOD.
The incident is under investigation, the DOD said.
Lee was the third Army soldier last week killed in the fight against ISIS. Two Army Rangers were killed during a firefight in Afghanistan.
Lee’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
A Go-Fund-Me page was set up to help with Lee’s funeral expenses, and nearly $40,000 was raised in just one day.
