The Department of Defense has announced the death of a Fort Campbell soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria. Officials say 28-year old Private First Class Michael A. Thomason of Lincoln Park, Michigan died Monday in Kobani, Syria of wounds sustained from a non-combat incident.
According to Public Affairs Officer and Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Martin O’Donnell, Thomason was an infantryman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. His deployment to Syria in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve was his first. Thomason’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. He enlisted in the service in December 2017 and was promoted to the rank of private first class in December 2018.
101st Airborne Division commander, Colonel Derek Thompson says the entire Bastogne brigade is heartbroken over the loss of Thomason. He says Thomason lived a warrior’s life, and he died in the service of his country. He went on to say Thomason’s memory will live on as part of the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division, as will their commitment to his family and to their mission.
The incident remains under investigation.
