Army Staff Sgt. David H. Gutierrez

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. David H. Gutierrez, 35, of San Francisco

SSgt Gutierrez was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Dec. 25, 2009 at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol with an improvised explosive device in Howz-e Madad.

FORT LEWIS, Wash. — The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Fort Lewis Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. David H. Gutierrez, 35, of San Francisco, Calif., died Dec. 25 at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol with an improvised explosive device in Howz-e Madad. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

According to unit records, Gutierrez enlisted October 22, 1998, at San Francisco, Calif. Following basic training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman, he reported to Fort Campbell, Kentucky on April 14, 1999. Gutierrez completed two overseas assignments; Camp Casey, Korea September 2000 – August 2001, and Schofield Barracks from October 2001 through May 2008. While assigned to Schofield Barracks Gutierrez deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2004 through January 2005.

He arrived at Fort Lewis May 8, 2008 was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, The brigade deployed to Afghanistan in July, 2009. This was his second deployment.

Gutierrez’ civilian and military education includes a high school equivalency diploma, the Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (1999), Air Assault training (1999), Combat Lifesavers Course (1999), Warrior Leader Course (2002), Army Retention Course (2002), Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below Leader Operator New Equipment Training Certification (2006), Javelin Training Devices Course (2008), Unit Prevention Leader Course (2008)

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), Army Achievement Medal (4 awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge.

Army Staff Sgt. David H. Gutierrez was killed in action on 12/25/09.