3 Fort Bliss Soldiers Are Killed In Afghanistan

Three Fort Bliss soldiers were killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device Dec. 3, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Clark A. Corley Jr., Spc. Ryan M. Lumley, and Spc. Thomas J. Mayberry, who were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Fort Bliss officials announced Thursday.

“1st Armored Division and Team Bliss lost three outstanding soldiers on Dec. 3 in eastern Afghanistan,” Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, commanding general, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said in a statement. “We are keeping their wives, children, families and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Corley, 35 of Oxnard, Calif., was an infantryman who joined the Army in December 1995. He was previously stationed at Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Irwin, Calif.; Fort Lee, Va.; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Camp Hovey, Korea; and Fort Hood, Texas. His military education includes hazardous materials certification, radiological safety, the Action Officer Development Course and sling load inspection certification. Corley’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal-Fourth Award, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge. He is survived by his spouse and one child.

Lumley, 21 of Lakeland, Fla., was an infantryman who joined the Army from Tampa, Fla., in March 2009. He was previously stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. Lumley’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He is survived by his spouse.

Mayberry, 21, of Springville, Calif., was an infantryman who joined the Army from Oakland, Calif., in January 2009. His previous assignments include Fort Benning, Ga. and Camp Casey, Korea. Mayberry’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Mayberry was posthumously promoted to the rank of Specialist. He is survived by his spouse.

“Our three Soldiers gave the last full measure of devotion for what they believed in and fought for every single one of us. Freedom is definitely not free,” Pittard said.

A memorial ceremony in honor of these fallen soldiers will be coordinated and announced at a later date.

Soldiers from the 3-1 BCT deployed to Southwest Asia in September and October 2011, to provide stability and security operations.

Watch the attached video to learn more about the soldiers.