Army Specialist Ebe F. Emolo

Remember Our Heroes

Army Specialist Ebe F. Emolo, 33, of Greensboro, N.C.

Spc. Emolo was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died April 7 in Zaganiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Also killed were Capt. Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, Spc. Levi K. Hoover and Pfc. Rodney L. McCandless.

News-Record -- GREENSBORO -- A paratrooper from Greensboro died over the weekend in Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense said Tuesday.

Spc. Ebe F. Emolo, 33, was killed when a bomb exploded near his unit. Emolo was a vehicle driver with the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

Emolo's commander praised his service and sacrifice, saying his death would strengthen his fellow soldiers' resolve to accomplish their mission.

"Specialist Emolo was an inspiration to all who knew him," Capt. John Carson said in a news release. "The success and achievements our squadron has endured over the past few weeks has not been easy or cheap, and we stand indebted to this great man who gave up his life in the service of his country."

Attempts to reach Emolo's family Tuesday evening were unsuccessful.

Among his survivors are wife Charlotte Brown and sister Sanwoa Wiggins, both of Greensboro, according to the military.

Emolo was a decorated soldier whose awards included the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist's Badge, according to the military.

Emolo joined the Army in February 2005, the 82nd Airborne said. He completed vehicle driver advanced individual training and the basic airborne course that November and was assigned to his squad the following month.

The bombing also killed Capt. Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, 25, of East Hampstead, N.H.; Spc. Levi K. Hoover, 23, of Midland, Mich.; and Spc. Rodney L. McCandless, 21, of Camden, Ark.

Army Specialist Ebe F. Emolo was killed in action on 4/7/07.