Army Specialist Alan J. Burgess, a 24-year-old soldier from Landaff, New Hampshire, demonstrated profound courage and selflessness in service to his nation. On November 5, 2004, while serving as a vehicle gunner with the New Hampshire National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Forward, Spc. Burgess was fatally wounded by shrapnel from a car bomb during a patrol in Mosul, Iraq. He succumbed to severe head injuries at a Mosul field hospital.

Spc. Burgess joined the New Hampshire National Guard in 2002, motivated by a strong sense of duty and love for his family. His mother, Karen Moore, described him as a devoted father and son who consistently prioritized the needs of others over his own. Despite expressing a belief that he should not have been in Iraq, he faithfully carried out his responsibilities, embodying the commitment shared by his fellow soldiers.

His service in Iraq was part of a broader mission conducted by 180 soldiers from his battalion to ensure security in the region. Spc. Burgess was assigned to Task Force Olympia, operating in Mosul, approximately 225 miles north of Baghdad. His sacrifice was one of several that day, as multiple U.S. troops and an Iraqi interpreter also lost their lives to insurgent attacks.  Alan’s expertise contributed greatly to his unit’s success.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Army Reserve Overseas Service Ribbon.

Source: Associated Press. “N.H. National Guardsman killed in Iraq.”