HOUSTON, TX, USA U.S. Army CPT, A TROOP, 1ST SQDN, 4TH CAVALRY (1ID), (SCHWEINFURT, GERMANY) APO AE 09033 WASHINGTON 08/09/2004
Andrew R. Houghton was born September 26, 1978 in his hometown, Houston, Texas. After graduating from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, Andy was appointed to the U.S Military Academy and graduated in 2001. He was commissioned as an armor officer.
As a cadet, Andy majored in History and Political Science and was on the Dean’s list for seven of his eight semesters. In addition, he was the Cadet-in-Charge for the Special Olympics West Point sponsors in 2001 and the Cadet Counseling Unit for Cadet Basic Training 2000. He was also an active member of the Combat Weapons Team and ran in the Marine Corps Marathon.
After completing the Armor Office Basic Course, he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Germany. Andy was known for his optimism, selflessness, and infectious smile. His life and service typify the ideals of USMA and the Army.
In his application to West Point, Andy wrote, “I would like to give something back to the country which has given me so many rights, privileges, and advantages in life. I feel that West Point is the academy with the best leadership training available for me to forge my leadership potential.”
CPT Andrew Houghton was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Germany in 2002. He deployed with his unit to Operation Iraqi Freedom in February, 2004. In a message to family and friends announcing his deployment, CPT Houghton wrote,
“The men that I am privileged to lead are some of the finest that America has to offer, and all of you can take pride and comfort in the fact that THEY will be living their lives and carrying out their duties for 365 consecutive days for YOU and the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. I would ask that you please pray for them, success in their missions, and their safe return at the end of their tour. From my own personal point of view, an Army leader can work his whole career and never have such an opportunity to take soldiers like these into combat. I remain humbled and awed at what they do every day that I get to work with them.”
CPT Houghton died 9 August 2004 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC from wounds he sustained 10 July in Ad Dhuha, Iraq. As platoon leader for Troop A, ¼ Cavalry Squadron, he was wounded by a rocket propelled grenade that detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
CPT Houghton’s medals and ribbons include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Nation Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon
Andy was a wonderful person. He was a blessing to his family and friends and countless others literally around the world. Selfless service defined his life. He was truly a man for others.