Fallen Soldier: John E. Tipton

Captain John E. Tipton, 32, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was assigned as the Commander of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Ks., and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On May 2, 2004, CPT Tipton was killed by an explosion while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.

CPT Tipton enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school, serving two years in field artillery. He used his G.I. Bill to attend Southern Illinois University, where he participated in the ROTC program. While in ROTC, he was given the George C. Marshall award. In 1995, he graduated with a degree in finance, was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army.

He became air assault qualified and earned his expert infantryman’s badge. He attended the Bradley Leader’s Course, as well as Infantry Officer Advanced Course, and Airborne school. CPT Tipton was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Valorous Unit award.

CPT Tipton’s son is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.