Department of Defense Confirms JBLM Soldier's Death

On Monday, Patch brought you the news of a in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Nicholas Dickhut's parents broke the news to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Today, the Department of Defense officially confirmed his death:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Nicholas M. Dickhut, 23, of Rochester, Minn., died April 30 in Zharay, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord released this information regarding Dickhut:

According to unit records, Dickhut enlisted in the Army in September 2008 and attended Army Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13F (Fire Support Specialist) at Fort Sill, Okla. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in February 2009, and was assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

The 3rd Stryker Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December.  Sgt. Dickhut deployed with the brigade and was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division during this deployment. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan, he previously deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July through December 2009 with 3/2 SBCT.

"The loss of Sgt. Dickhut is deeply felt by all members of Attack Company. Sgt. Dickhut was not only incredibly talented as a Forward Observer, he possessed great maturity and intelligence. His positive attitude and eagerness to share lessons learned made him an invaluable member of our Company. There is no way to describe the loss created by his absence.” said Capt. Lawrence Csaszar, commander, Co. A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment. “His fellow Soldiers are committed to ensuring that he did not give his life in vain and remain focused on successfully completing the mission at hand."

His friend and peer, Spc. Connor Higgins said “He was easily the best Forward Observer I have ever met in the US Army. More importantly, he was a great friend and someone who would always help you out no matter what. He was the kind of NCO that the Army needs more of. He was dedicated to his job and his fellow Soldiers. I hope my words have enough gravity to somehow help his family through this inconsolable time. Sgt. Dickhut was surrounded by Soldiers who loved and respected him. I'm sure the Soldiers he trained will carry on in his footsteps.”

Dickhut’s civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2007), Military Occupational Specialty 13F: Fire Support Specialist (2008), Combatives Level 1 (2008), Combat Lifesavers Course (2010), Precision Strike Suite (2010), Joint Fires Observer Course where he was recognized as the Honor Graduate (2011), and he graduated the Warrior Leaders Course with honors as the Class Leader (2011).

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Dickhut.