Derek James Bilodeau, 23, chose to end his life Sept. 1, 2008. He was born Feb. 25, 1985, in Manchester, NH, and was a resident of Nevada for seven years.

He was a student at Green Valley High School in NV before he joined the U.S. Army in 2004. He was a member of the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Infantry. He fought in Afghanistan.

He was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal with V Device for saving the lives of members of his unit who were trapped in a Humvee. He received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Internment in St. Augustin Cemetery, South Beech Street, Manchester, N.H.

Published in Union Leader on November 6, 2008

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99402185/derek-james-bilodeau