FORT BENNING, GA, US
U.S. Army
SSG, CO B, 3RD BN, 75TH RANGER RGT, FORT BENNING, GEORGIA
04/18/2010, TIKRIT, IRAQ
Staff Sergeant James R. Patton was conducting a combat operation in northern Iraq when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in which he was riding crashed. The Army Ranger died April 18, 2010 while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with Company B, 3d Battalion, and 75th Ranger Regiment.
Staff Sergeant Jimmy Patton was the life of his platoon and the epitome of a selfless servant. He is remembered for making the best of every situation regardless of circumstance. He always displayed an easy confidence that told those around him: “yes, it can be done.” SSG Patton was on his seventh deployment in support of the War on Terror and he had previously deployed twice to Iraq and four times to Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant James Patton was the best model of the American Ranger. He was a warrior, and a patriot. He was completely dedicated to mission accomplishment. His unit leaders noted that Jimmy had trained his Rangers well as those who were not injured in the crash secured the crash site, evacuated the wounded, and then successfully completed the mission. Staff Sergeant Patton’s spirit lives on in the Rangers he led in combat and the friends and families he touched throughout his life.
James Patton enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2004, and following completion of One Station Unit Training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his service with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, he served as a grenadier, fire team leader, and rifle squad leader.
Staff Sergeant Patton is survived by his wife Beatriz and daughter Cecilia of Columbus, Georgia, and his parents Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory and Sheila Patton of Indian Mound, Tennessee.
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