According to the Department of Defense press release, 1st Lt. Weston C. Lee, 25, died from the injuries he sustained from an improvised explosive device (IED) blast while conducting security as part of an advise and assist support unit to partnered forces. LT Lee was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Col. Pat Work, the commander of 2nd BCT released this statement following Lee’s death.

Lee was “an extraordinary young man and officer. He was exactly the type of leader that our paratroopers deserve,” said Col. Pat Work, the commander of 2nd BCT, in a statement. “Our sincere condolences and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”- Army Times

This was LT Lee’s first deployment following his commission as an infantry officer in March 2015 and Lee was one of 1800 soldiers from the 2nd BCT assisting the Iraqi Security forces combat the Islamic State. The 82 Airborne Division listed LT Lee’s awards as follows:

1st. Lt. Lee’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Image courtesy of DoD