Their Story
Remembering Andrew D. Byers.
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.