101st soldier killed in non-combat incident in Syria

KOBANI, Syria (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Pfc. Michael A. Thomason, 28, from Lincoln Park, Michigan, died April 29, 2019 in Kobani, Syria of wounds sustained from a non-combat incident.

Thomason was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The incident remains under investigation.

“Pfc. Michael A. Thomason, 28, of Lincoln Park, Michigan, was an infantryman (11B) assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). His deployment to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve was his first,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) spokesperson LTC Martin L. O’Donnell said.

According to LTC O’Donnell, Pfc. Thomason’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with “C” (or Combat) Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.

He enlisted in the service in December 2017. Pfc. Thomason was promoted to the rank of private first class in December 2018.

“The entire Bastogne brigade is heartbroken over Michael’s loss. He lived a warrior’s life, and he died in the service of his country,” Col. Derek Thomson, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commander said. “Michael’s memory will live on as part of the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division, as will our commitment to his family and to our mission.”