Fallen Soldier: James D. Doster

Sergeant First Class James D. Doster, 37, of Pine Bluff, Ark., was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Ks., and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On September 29, 2007, SFC Doster died when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq.

SFC Doster, a White Hall High School graduate, left for Iraq in February 2007. He had joined the Army 17 years ago during his second year at Hendrix College and served mostly as a recruiter.

During his service, his awards included the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters among others.

“James was a wonderful, patient husband and daddy to two sweet daughters,” his wife said. “He loved the Army, did not complain about his circumstances and was always looking to make things better for his men.”
SFC Doster’s daughter is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.