Soldier From Colorado Springs Killed

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A soldier from Colorado Springs died in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province Saturday when his unit was hit by an improvised explosive device.

The Department of Defense said Pfc. Christopher A. Horns, 20, died Saturday after enemy forces attacked his unit.

Horns was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

A release from the U. S. Army Special Operations Command said the Colorado Springs native joined the Rangers in March 2011, nine months after enlisting. He served as an assistant machine gunner and automatic rifleman.

Horns is survived by his parents Larry and Tamara Horns, and his sister Tiffany of Colorado Springs, Colo. Horns was on his first deployment in support of the War on Terror.

“On his first combat deployment, Pvt. 1st Class Christopher Horns demonstrated all the qualities we look for in our U.S. Army Rangers. Courageous and disciplined, he lost his life while pressing the assault in an area known for insurgent activity,” said Lt. Col. David Hodne, a Ranger commander. “He earned the universal respect of seniors and peers alike. We will honor his service and remember his sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Horns family.”

According to Special Operations Command Public Affairs, Horns will be awarded a Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal for Combat Service, the Army Commendation Medal for Peacetime Service, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge posthumously.

Officials said two other troops were killed in that attack.

The Department of Defense said Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29, of San Diego, Calif and 1st. Lt. Ashley I. White, 24, of Alliance, Ohio, were also killed.