Christopher Michael Ward
The Oak Ridge soldier who was killed in Afghanistan one week ago received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal during his funeral Saturday, as well as a Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Michael Ward, 24, was killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on April 6.
The medals were presented to his mother, Joyce Ward of Oak Ridge, during a funeral on Saturday at Weatherford Mortuary.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you,” U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann told Joyce Ward.
Christopher Ward was one of three soldiers who died in a suicide car bombing last week while helping to deliver textbooks to children at a new school in Zabul province. Also killed were a U.S. diplomat and a U.S. Department of Defense civilian.
Ward was born in Arcadia, Fla., and he attended Oak Ridge High School during his junior year before enlisting in the Army at 17. He had served in Iraq twice, and this was his first tour in Afghanistan.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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