MAJ Andrew Byers, 30, of Rolesville, North Carolina, died on 3 November 2016 during a clash with enemy forces in Northeastern Afghanistan. Also killed was SFC Ryan Gloyer.  The soldiers came under fire during a “train, advise and assist mission” with Afghan troops, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement. The soldiers were working to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group’s operations in Kunduz district. 

For selflessly running into a kill zone to retrieve a fallen Afghan comrade, for maintaining positive control of a 59-man force during a seemingly hopeless situation, and for sacrificing his life by leading from the front in an effort to rescue his men, Byers was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Andrew was a 2008 graduate of West Point and a Special Forces officer, and will be dearly missed by his friends, family, soldiers, and classmates. Be thou at peace.

Proceeds from the MAJ Andrew D. Byers bracelet will be donated to the Green Beret Foundation in his memory.