Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fallen Heroes, Iraq War 03/19/03

Gregory J Fester

Grand Rapids, Michigan

August 30, 2005

Age Military Rank Unit/Location
41 Army Maj

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

 Killed in Iskandariyah, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol.

DATE POSTED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2005

USACAPOC Soldier dies in Iraq

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Sept. 1, 2005) — An Army-reserve special operations Soldier died Aug. 30 near Iskandariyah, Iraq from injuries sustained when explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol there.

Maj. Gregory J. Fester, 41, a civil affairs officer assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs Psychological Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., died while deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

A native of Ohio, Fester entered the Army as an administrative specialist in the Ohio National Guard on March 29, 1984. 

Fester received his Army ROTC commission in 1987, graduating from Ohio State University. As a second lieutenant, Fester served on active duty with the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment. He was promoted to first lieutenant in May, 1989, when he served with 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment.
In 1996, Fester served as a tactical intelligence officer with the New York Air National Guard Engineer Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division.

He began his service with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) in December, 1999 when he was assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion. He completed the Civil Affairs Officer Advanced Course in 2001, and was then transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.

Fester was ordered back to active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism in March, 2005. He was stationed near Iskandariyah, Iraq as a Civil Affairs officer supporting the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade.

Fester’s military education includes Administrative Specialist Course, Basic Airborne Course, ROTC, Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Multiple Launch Rocket System Cadre Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School and the Civil Affairs Advance Course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, one Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.

Fester was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Fester, children Jennifer, Megan and Peyton Fester, and his mother Ginger.

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