Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio, died Dec. 10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
According to unit records, Staff Sgt. Williams entered the Army in July 2005 and reported to Fort Benning, Ga., for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B (Infantryman). He completed Airborne School in 2005, and received the Special Qualification Identifier of Parachutist. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR), Vilseck, Germany, in March of 2006. He deployed with 2nd SCR as a Radio Telephone Operator from August 2007 until October 2008. In February 2009, Williams was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He deployed to Iraq as a Rifleman from September 2009 to August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan as a Squad Leader in November.
Staff Sgt. Williams’ civilian and military education includes a High School diploma (2005), Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (2005), Airborne School (2005), and the Warrior Leaders Course (2011).
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (Numeral “3”), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist 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 Staff Sgt. Williams.
-Joint Base Lewis-McChord
