Adam S. Thomas

May 6th, 1985 – Oct 4th, 2016

Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas, was killed in action, Oct. 4, 2016, from an improvised explosive device in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Thomas was born May 6, 1985, in Washington D.C., and was raised in Minnesota. He attended Saint Olaf College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Environmental Studies. He enlisted into the Army in April, 2008 as an infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia. As a specialist, he was assigned to 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as a rifleman, sniper, and scout squad leader. He excelled in soldiering and leadership and quickly attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He deployed twice with the 82nd Airborne Division to both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, Thomas successfully completed the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course. He graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course in October 2015, and was assigned as a medical sergeant to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), February 2016. He deployed to Afghanistan, June 19, 2016, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Thomas’ military education and advanced skills training include: Modern Army Combatives Level I; Basic Airborne Course; Ranger School; Special Forces Sniper Course Level II; Warrior Leader Course; Special Operations Combat Medic Course; Advanced Leader Course; Special Forces Qualification Course; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE); and Basic Military Freefall Parachutist Course. Thomas’ awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medals (4 awards), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2 awards), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Military Freefall Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal.