VICENZA, Italy, Sept 13- A Paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy was found dead on Sept. 7, 2021, in his military residence.
Spc. Ryan James, 20, of Baytown, Texas, was found unresponsive in his barracks.
He was assigned to Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Abn. Bde.
“Spc. Ryan James was an intensely passionate and driven paratrooper who served his country admirably,” said Lt. Col. Kevin M. Ward, commander of the 2-503 PIR.
“His strength of character, work ethic and remarkable maturity consistently built up those around him. During Spc. James’ first week in the battalion, he placed a bet that he would don a Ranger Tab within his first two years in the unit; he was well on his way to achieving that goal. From his consistent, stellar performance as an infantryman to earning the highest physical fitness score in his platoon, he never settled for the minimum, but always pushed himself to excel. In everything he did, he was relentlessly committed to those with whom he served. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.”
James joined the Army in December 2019. In August 2020, he received his first duty assignment as an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge.
He is survived by his parents.
The incident is currently under investigation.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
