JBLM Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier has died on his first deployment in Afghanistan.

Spc. Philip C. S. Schiller, 21, of The Colony, Texas, died April 11 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The base's Public Affairs Office released the following information on Schiller:

According to unit records, Schiller enlisted in the Army in June 2010 and attended Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in November 2010, and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

The 3rd Stryker Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December. Spc. Schiller's unit, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, deployed last month to Afghanistan. This was Spc. Schiller's first deployment.

Schiller's civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2010), Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (2010), and Combat Lifesavers Course (2011).

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).

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