Nathan Chapman (soldier)
Encyclopedia
Nathan Ross Chapman was an American Sergeant First Class
with the 1st Special Forces Group. He was the first U.S. soldier to be killed in combat in the war in Afghanistan
.
Born at Andrews Air Force Base
where his father was stationed, Nathan Chapman grew up in a variety of towns across the United States, but listed his hometown as San Antonio, Texas
when he joined the military at the age of 18. He'd never lived in San Antonio, but that is where his grandparents lived.
Assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group following the 11 September attacks, Chapman was directing troop movements from the back of a flatbed truck
when he was shot. He did not die instantly from the attack, which also saw a CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer from Special Activities Division
wounded. Although originally dubbed an "ambush", the military backed away from using the term.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart
and the Bronze Star.
Chapman, his wife and two children lived in Puyallup, Washington
.
Forward Operating Base Chapman was named after SFC Chapman.
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant First Class is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is the first senior non-commissioned officer rank...
with the 1st Special Forces Group. He was the first U.S. soldier to be killed in combat in the war in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
.
Born at Andrews Air Force Base
Andrews Air Force Base
Joint Base Andrews is a United States military facility located in Prince George's County, Maryland. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force 11th Wing, Air Force District of Washington ....
where his father was stationed, Nathan Chapman grew up in a variety of towns across the United States, but listed his hometown as San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
when he joined the military at the age of 18. He'd never lived in San Antonio, but that is where his grandparents lived.
Assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group following the 11 September attacks, Chapman was directing troop movements from the back of a flatbed truck
Flatbed truck
A flatbed truck is a type of truck which can be either articulated or rigid. As the name suggests, it has an entirely flat, level 'bed' body with no sides or roof...
when he was shot. He did not die instantly from the attack, which also saw a CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer from Special Activities Division
Special Activities Division
The Special Activities Division is a division in the United States Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service responsible for covert operations known as "special activities"...
wounded. Although originally dubbed an "ambush", the military backed away from using the term.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
and the Bronze Star.
Chapman, his wife and two children lived in Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup, Washington is a city in Pierce County, Washington about five miles east of Tacoma. The population was 37,022 at the 2010 Census. Named after the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans, Puyallup means "the generous people."-History:...
.
Forward Operating Base Chapman was named after SFC Chapman.