Soldier born in Boston killed in Syria
A soldier with Massachusetts ties has been killed overseas.
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SPC Etienne J. Murphy of the United States Army died Friday while on his first deployment in Syria. He was 22 years old.
The report notes that military officials said Murphy, who was an infantryman, was killed when his vehicle rolled over in Al-Hasakah.
On Memorial Day, Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted about Murphy’s death.
“MA lost another son over the weekend in Syria - Ranger Etienne Murphy,” Baker wrote. “A flag was planted in his honor on Saturday. 37,252. RIP.”
Baker previously posted a video of 37,251 flags placed on Boston Common in honor of “every lost son and daughter of MA.” He later updated the post to add a flag for Murphy.
“Freedom is not free,” Baker noted. “Have a blessed Memorial Day. #NeverForget.”
Murphy was born in Boston and spent part of his childhood in Brockton, but called Georgia home.
NBC 10 also learned that his father is a former Boston firefighter and his aunt is with the police department.
His awards and decorations include the Parachutist Badge, Army Achievement Medal with 3 OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, according to a press release. He was posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
Murphy’s cause of death remains under investigation.
