Ryan J. Connolly
Died: June 24, 2008
Rank: Sergeant
Unit: 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team
Branch: U.S. Army
Sergeant Ryan J. Connolly was killed on June 24, 2008, in Khogyani, Afghanistan, when a land mine exploded under a vehicle carrying Connolly and three other Soldiers. Even though he was mortally wounded, he directed others in efforts to save the lives of his grievously injured companions. The 24-year-old Soldier served with the 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, out of Bamberg, Germany. He was buried with full military honors in Santa Rosa Memorial Park in Santa Rosa, California. Hundreds of mourners lined the streets as his funeral procession made its way to the cemetery.
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