MAJ Andrew D. Byers

3 November 2016, Afghanistan

Special Forces

A native of Clarence, New York, Major Andrew D. Byers was killed in action on 3 November 2016, while his unit was conducting operations with Afghan allies in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.

Byers graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2008, and was commissioned in the Infantry. He then commanded a rifle platoon in the 2nd Infantry Division on a tour to Iraq. His first assignment after completing the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2014 was as Executive Officer of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group. He then assumed command of an Operational Detachment – Alpha on a deployment to Chad.

MAJ Byers was commanding a detachment in 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, in November 2016. He died of wounds received from small arms fire while supporting an anti-Taliban operation with the Afghan National Army.