FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, April 13, 2010) — An Army Ranger died April 9, from injuries sustained in a CV-22 Osprey crash while operating in southern Afghanistan with Company A, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
While deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Corporal Michael D. Jankiewicz, 23, was conducting a combat operation targeting a terrorist network in Zabul Province, Afghanistan when the CV-22 Osprey in which he was riding crashed.
Cpl. Jankiewicz was rapidly pulled from the wreckage and immediately treated by unit medical personnel, but he quickly succumbed to the injuries he had sustained.
Two U.S. Air Force crew members and a government contractor were also killed. Other Soldiers were also injured in the crash, treated by unit medical personnel and quickly evacuated for medical treatment.
“Corporal Jankiewicz embodied the true spirit of the Ranger. He was a patriot, fearless in combat, and a true warrior. He represents the next “Greatest Generation,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, 75th Ranger Regiment commander. "I wish all of America could have witnessed the character, devotion to duty, and selfless service of Cpl. Jankiewicz."
Cpl. Jankiewicz was on his fourth deployment in support of the War on Terror. He had previously deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
“Corporal Jankiewicz was an inspiration to his unit – always optimistic and seeing the positive side of even the toughest situations. He was a true warrior who clearly understood what he was fighting for”, said Col. Dan Walrath, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment commander.
Cpl. Jankiewicz enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2006 from his hometown of Ramsey, N.J. During his service with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, he served as a grenadier, machine gunner and machine gun team leader.
Jankiewicz is survived by his father, Anthony Jankiewicz of Stroudsburg, Pa., and mother, Serena Jankiewicz of Ramsey, N.J.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, though it is confirmed the crash did not result from enemy fire.
Company A, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment is based at Fort Benning, Ga.
Click here for Jankiewicz's bio.
