SSG Ricardo Barraza

18 March 2006, Iraq

Rangers

A native of Shafter, California, Staff Sergeant Ricardo Barraza died 18 March 2006 when his unit was conducting combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Barraza enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman in August 1999 and completed his Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

SSG Barraza completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program in March 2000 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington, as a squad leader until his death.