Two Schofield Barracks soldiers were killed in Afghanistan over the weekend when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device, the Pentagon reported Tuesday.
Sgt. Christopher L. Muniz of New Cuyama, Calif., and Spec. Ronald H. Wildrick Jr. of Blairstown, N.J., died Sunday in Kunar province. Both were on their first combat deployment.
They were assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks.
Muniz, 24, was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, and Wildrick, 30, to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment.
Muniz’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and Combat Action Badge.
Wildrick’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Basic Parachutist Badge. Posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Muniz enlisted in the Army on Nov. 13, 2008, as a signal intelligence analyst.
Wildrick enlisted on June 18, 2008, as an infantryman.
Both soldiers were married. Wildrick is also survived by two daughters.
