Nicholas Madaras - Age 19
Army Private First Class
Wilton
(2006 – Iraq)

Private First Class Nicholas Madaras, October 21, 1986 – September 3, 2006, graduated from Wilton High School in Wilton, Connecticut and enlisted in the Army shortly after graduation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Madaras died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol during combat operations in Baqubah. Madaras' patrol was attacked as it carried three wounded soldiers from another unit to the hospital from an earlier attack in Baghdad. Two IEDs exploded within Madaras' convoy line. Madaras maneuvered his Humvee into position behind another vehicle to protect the convoy. As he stepped out of his vehicle, a third IED exploded next to him, striking him with shrapnel.

Madaras was awarded medals including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Information: courant.com