SFC David L. McDowell

29 April 2008, Afghanistan

Rangers

A native of Ramona, California, Sergeant First Class David L. McDowell died in a combat action on 29 April 2008 at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

McDowell enlisted as an Infantryman in the Army on July 1996. Completing his Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, he graduated from the Ranger Indoctrination Program in November 1996. He was assigned in December 1996 to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington. In 2005, he was assigned to the Regimental Training Detachment, Fort Benning, Georgia, as a pre-Ranger Course instructor.

In 2006, SFC McDowell was serving as a platoon sergeant in 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington, when he was killed supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.