SPC Daniel P. Unger
killed in action May 25th 2004
The Washington National Guard regrets to announce of the death of Specialist (SPC) Daniel Paul Unger, 19, Company A, 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, 81st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) who was fatally wounded during a rocket attack at a fire base south of Baghdad.
SPC Unger was a California Guardsman whose unit deployed as part of Washington’s 81st Brigade. The 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in San Bernardino, CA is one of five battalions assigned t o the 81st Brigade, headquartered in Washington State. All members of the 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry are from the California National Guard.
SPC Unger is the fifth California National Guard soldier to die in Iraq. SPC Unger graduated from Exeter High School in the spring of 2003. The high school is located about 15 miles east of Visalia and 40 miles south of Fresno, California.
SPC Unger is survived by his father Marc, his mother Linda, a younger brother and two younger sisters. Marc Unger, a Baptist Minister, said that his son was doing what he wanted to do when he died. He always wanted to be [in the] dismounted infantry.
SPC Unger is the second member of the 81st BCT to die since the unit deployed to Iraq, and the fifth California Army National Guardsman to die since the beginning of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Major General Timothy Lowenberg, Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard and the entire Washington Guard membership would like to convey its heartfelt sympathy to SPC Unger’s family and loved ones.
On behalf of himself and his Command Sergeant Major, Brigadier General Hilman has issued this statement: "Once again the brigade morns one of its own now taken from us. We are all deeply saddened by this event. On behalf of the 81st Brigade Combat Team Soldiers, Command Sergeant Major Barr and I wish to express our most sincere regrets to the Unger family. We will keep the families and comrades of all of those fallen and wounded in our prayers. God bless the brave and courageous Soldiers of the 81st Brigade Combat Team and our loved ones."
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Statement
"SPC Unger volunteered to serve his state and defend his nation, representing the best traits of California and America. Maria and I are saddened greatly by his loss. Daniel's courage and selfless service to protect his fellow Americans will not be forgotten. Our prayers go out to his family and friends."
SPC Unger, 19, died from wounds received during a May 25 rocket attack near Kalsu, Iraq. He was assigned to "A" Company, 1st Battalion, 185th Armor Regiment, 81st Brigade, Corona, CA.
In honor of SPC Unger, (California) Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
