Cullman soldier killed in action in Afghanistan - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Cullman soldier killed in action in Afghanistan

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By Brianne Britzius - email
Source: U.S. Army Source: U.S. Army

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The Department of Defense said today that 25-year-old Sgt. James L. Skalberg, Jr. of Cullman died Wednesday, June 26 while serving in Afghanistan.

Skalberg died during an enemy bombing on his unit's vehicle in the city of Maidan Shahr, which is the capital of Wardak province in eastern Afghanistan.

He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division from Fort Bliss, Texas. The U.S. Army says that Skalberg entered service in 2007 and previously served in Iraq.

His brigade deployed in October 2011 and is scheduled to return in July 2012.

Skalberg has been awarded with several medals, including the Purple Heart and two Army Commendation Medals.

Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss commanding general released this statement about Skalberg:

Team Bliss is saddened by the loss of Sgt. James Skalberg.  He was a great 1st Armored Division Soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and leaves behind a loving wife and infant son.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, fellow Soldiers, and all of our troops in Afghanistan.

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