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.