According to the DoD press release, two 10th Group Special Forces Soldiers were killed in Kunduz, Afghanistan as a part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on Nov 3. The US Army stated, Capt. Andrew D. Byers, 30, and Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, 34, were both killed when “they came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with Afghan security forces to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group’s operations in Kunduz district.” Additionally, four Afghan Special Forces Soldiers were also reportedly killed and local authorities claimed at least 30 civilians were killed by U.S. air strikes.

Byers, a native of Rolesville, North Carolina, had more than eight years of service in the Army. This was his third deployment. His awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with campaign star), Iraq Campaign Medial (with campaign star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Gloyer, a native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, had more than 11 years of service in the Army. This was his fourth deployment. His awards include: Bronze Star Medal (with valor device) Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with campaign star) (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Nato Medal (2).- Army.mil

SF casualties identified as CPT Andrew Byers & SFC Ryan Gloyer. https://t.co/vrPUUJzFvv

Image courtesy of DoD (Capt. Andrew Byers and Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Gloyer)