Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper, 43, a communications sergeant, assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was critically injured June 3, 2005 near Orgun-e, Afghanistan. He sustained injuries when an enemy improvised explosive device detonated near his Ground Mobility Vehicle during operations in Afghanistan’s southeastern region.

Piper died at Brooke army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas as a result of his injuries.

A native of Marblehead, Mass. Piper enlisted in the Marine Corps September 30, 1980 where he served for three years.

He entered the Army April 17, 1995.

After numerous assignments, including service in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, he arrived to 7th SFG  September 2004.

Piper deployed in support of operation Enduring Freedom in November 2004 .

His awards and decorations include: the Army Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

His wife, Consuelo, and two children, Dierdre and Christopher of Marblehead, Mass. survive him.

God bless SSG Piper and his family. Rest in peace, brother.