South Sound News

JBLM Green Beret killed in Afghanistan Monday

A soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord was killed in action in Afghanistan Monday.

The Department of Defense said the 40-year-old was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

The Green Beret was on his fourth combat deployment, according to Stars and Stripes. He was a Special Forces communications sergeant.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy W. Griffin, 40, from Greenbrier, Tennessee, was killed in action by small arms fire when his unit was engaged in combat operations in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.

Griffin was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne).

According to Stars and Stripes, his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two awards of the Army Commendation Medal, four awards of the Army Achievement Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge; Ranger and Army Special Forces Tabs.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, USASOC spokesman Lt. Col. Loren Bymer said.