Sunday, April 18, 2010

Army Staff Sgt. James R. Patton

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. James R. Patton, 23, of Fort Benning, Ga.

SSgt. Patton was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.; died April 18, 2010 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained as the result of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash.

A Fort Benning Ranger died Sunday in Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, the U.S. Department of Defense said.

Staff Sgt. James R. Patton, 23, died from injuries sustained when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed during a combat operation.

Patton was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

"Staff Sergeant Jimmy Patton was the life of his platoon and the epitome of a selfless servant," said Col. Dan Walrath, 3rd Battalion, Ranger Regiment commander. "He made the best of every situation regardless of circumstance and he always exuded an easy confidence that ‘it could be done.'"

Patton was on his seventh deployment in support of the War on Terror. He had previously deployed twice to Iraq and four times to Afghanistan.

"Staff Sergeant James Patton was the epitome of the American Ranger - Warrior, Patriot, and dedicated to mission accomplishment. Staff Sgt. Patton was killed in a helicopter crash on one of the most significant missions since the beginning of the Iraq War," said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, 75th Ranger Regiment commander.

"Jimmy trained his Rangers well; those that were not injured secured the crash site, evacuated the wounded, and then successfully completed the mission. Staff Sgt. Patton's spirit lives on in the Rangers he led in combat and the friends and families he touched throughout his life."

Patton enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2004, and following completion of One Station Unit Training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. During his service with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, he served as a grenadier, fire team leader, and rifle squad leader.

Patton was on his seventh deployment in support of the War on Terror. He had previously deployed twice to Iraq and four times to Afghanistan.

Patton is survived by his wife Beatriz and daughter Cecilia of Columbus, Ga., and his parents Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory and Sheila Patton of Indian Mound, Tenn.

Army Staff Sgt. James R. Patton was killed in action on 4/18/10.

4 comments:

Tim Green said...

God bless you, Jimmy. He dated my daughter in high school while his Dad and I were stationed together. He'd always come see me when he was in Afghanistan and fill me in on the actions of my fellow Rangers. He was a lively and delightful young man. RIP, Jim, and may God bless and comfort your wife, daughter, and parents.

Brooke said...

Jimmy, you will never be forgotten. Among your men, among your family, and in your Ranger family. My husband was honored to serve with you each day. You are missed now...and we will continue to take care of B and C. Praise God for the full life you had, and all the people you touched.

nika said...

I just heard of the news. I was informed from a fellow old classmate of mine who is in the airforce. When she told his name, at first I couldn't put a face to it. I went through all the yearbooks, and still dudnt find him. So, I looked up James Patton on the internet.....I dropped my phone. I knew him. JIMMY THAT IS! We went to leesville high together ..I thank Jimmy. But being the spouse of a military service member. I thank his entire family. My condolences as well....Tenika wilson-broaden., class of 2004

Anonymous said...

My name is Randy Sigley Sr.. My son died in Afghanistan. Please never forget their sacrifice. It is my hope that they are the most honored of all of God's children. They volunteered. They died thousands of miles from those of us who love them, alone, among strangers, in a terrible war.

Always remember. Always honor them.

Jimmy, Randy Jr., so many more.

You are loved. You are treasured. You are why we live proudly.

Thank you.