Ed was 36 years old, an Army Major from Charleston, S.C., was the Deputy Communications Officer for the Southern European Task Force (Airborne) in Vicenza, Italy. A loving husband and father, Ed brought humor and laughter to those around him, all while demanding the best of those that served with him.
Ed loved being a Soldier. He completed his basic training between his junior and senior year of high school and is the only ROTC graduate of the University of SC to be killed in the line of duty. He was an Airborne Ranger, a Jumpmaster, and a Military Historian. He most notably served in the 82ndAirborne, Ranger Training Brigade, and SETAF. He was a 2003 graduate of Command and General Staff College and completed his MMAS while there. The Battle of Eylau served as his dissertation thesis, and, as an avid admirer of Napoleonic history, Ed created thousands of miniature soldiers in order to reconstruct and study significant battles.
Ed was more than a Soldier and Signal Officer, however. He was a kind man whose loss is felt by his family, his friends, those he served with, and the Italian community in which he lived at the time of his death. He was the dad that coached teams, played Barbies, and loved being a dad. His last email home said “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine and safe. I just miss you and my family very much. I love you more than you could ever know. I cannot begin to tell you how I long to be in the comfort, safety, and protection of your loving arms and our wonderful home.”