JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - The Department of Defense announced

today the death of four Soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring

Freedom. They died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained

when insurgents attacked their military vehicle with an improvised

explosive device. They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field

Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Killed were: Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora, 24, of San Diego, Calif., Sgt.

Daniel Lim, 23, of Cypress, Calif., Specialist Joseph A. Bauer, 27, of

Cincinnati, Ohio, and Private First Class Andrew L. Hand, 25, of

Enterprise, Ala.

Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora -

According to unit records, Mora enlisted June 22, 2004 at San Diego,

Calif., and reported to Fort Knox, Ky., June 23, 2004 for initial entry

training in Military Occupational Specialty 13M (Multiple Launch Rocket

System (MLRS) Crewmember). He reported to his first duty station at Fort

Sill, Okla., Sept. 8, 2004, and was later assigned to Camp Casey, Korea,

Jan. 9, 2006. Mora was later assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C., on July 9,

2007, and was then assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., on Nov.

7, 2009. At JBLM, he was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field

Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade. The battalion deployed to

Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October, 2009.

This was Mora's second deployment to Afghanistan. His first combat

deployment was in 2008 to Afghanistan.

Mora's civilian and military education includes a high school diploma,

Military Occupational Specialty 13M (Multiple Launch Rocket System

(MLRS) Crewmember) Qualification Course, Warrior Leader Course (2007),

Combat Lifesaver Course (2007).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army

Achievement Medal (six awards), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense

Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal

(two awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional

Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (two

awards), NATO Medal (two awards), Combat Action Badge, Drivers and

Mechanics Badge, Marksmanship Qualification Badge - Expert with Missile.

Sgt. Daniel Lim -

According to unit records Lim enlisted April 13, 2006, and reported to

Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for initial entry training. He then reported to

Fort Sill, Okla., June 28, 2006, to advanced individual training in

Military Occupational Specialty 13M (Multiple Launch Rocket System

(MLRS) Crewmember). He reported to his first duty assignment August 27,

2006, at Camp Coiner, Korea, and later to Camp Casey, Korea. He served

for 31 months in Korea. He reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.,

on May 1, 2009, and was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field

Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade. The battalion deployed to

Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October, 2009.

This was his first combat deployment.

Lim's civilian and military education includes a high school diploma,

Military Occupational Specialty 13M (Multiple Launch Rocket System

(MLRS) Crewmember) Qualification Course, Force XXI Battle Command

Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Leader "OpNet" (Operator, New Equipment

Training) Course, Combat Lifesavers Course (2007), and Combatives Level

1 (2006).

His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good

Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service

Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon,

Overseas Service Ribbon, and Drivers and Mechanics Badge.

Spc. Joseph A. Bauer -

According to unit records, Bauer enlisted March 4, 2007. He entered

active service on October 3, 2007, and reported to Fort Knox, Ky., for

initial entry training, then reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on

January 25, 2008 for advanced individual training in Military

Occupational Specialty 88M (Motor Transport Operator). He reported to

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., on April 2, 2008, and was assigned to

the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade. The

battalion deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring

Freedom in October, 2009. This was his first deployment.

Bauer's civilian and military education includes an Associate's Degree,

and the Military Occupational Specialty 88M (Motor Transport Operator)

Qualification Course.

His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National

Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on

Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon,

NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

Pfc. Andrew L. Hand -

According to unit records, Hand enlisted November 9, 2004. He entered

active service on November 15, 2005. Following his initial term of

active service, he returned to military service on October 17, 2008. He

reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., was assigned to the 657th

Fire Support Company, 17th Fires Brigade. The battalion deployed to

Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October, 2009.

This was his first deployment.

Hand's civilian and military education includes a High School Diploma,

and the Military Occupational Specialty 13M (Multiple Launch Rocket

System (MLRS) Crewmember) Qualification Course.

His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National

Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on

Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service

Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge.