SFC Mitchell A. Lane

29 August 2003, Afghanistan

Special Forces

A California native, Sergeant First Class Mitchell A. Lane died on 29 August 2003 of injuries suffered during a fast rope infiltration while on a night combat assault in Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

Lane enlisted in the California Army National Guard in 1987 and volunteered for active duty in 1991. A Combat Engineer, he served in several assignments before volunteering for the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1995. After graduation, he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

SFC Lane was assigned as an Engineer Sergeant in 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM at the time of his death.