A decorated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars was killed while acting as a good Samaritan to a stranded motorist.
Col. Gregory Townsend, 46, originally from Alabama, was driving in Virginia when he noticed a driver needed help with a flat tire. He pulled over to change the tire. When he was almost finished, the car fell on top of him.
The Fort Lee officer — who had deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan — was flown by helicopter to hospital in Richmond, Va., where he died from his wounds on Monday.
Townsend was the commander of the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade at the U.S. Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee. He was living in Chesapeake, Va., at the time of his death and commuted to Fort Lee.
“The loss of Col. Greg Townsend is devastating for his family and the Army. He was a dedicated leader and the most genuine man you could meet,” said Brig. Gen. Douglas McBride, 55th quartermaster general and commandant of the Quartermaster School. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg’s family and friends during this very difficult time. His legacy as a servant leader will live on in the hearts and minds of all soldiers that he has served with and led.”
Townsend had been awarded with the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with two oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters, the Joint Staff Commendation Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.
