Fallen Soldier: Paul A. Sweeney

Staff Sergeant Paul A. Sweeney, 32, of Lakeville, Penn., was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, at Fort Bragg, N.C., and served during Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 30, 2003, SSG Sweeney was killed when his unit was ambushed while on patrol in Afghanistan.

SSG Sweeney was the fourth in a family of ten children. He joined the Army in 1991 and was a tanker for his first two years before switching to infantry. He would lead an honorable career, serving two tours in Afghanistan, one in Iraq, one in South Korea and two in Germany.

SSG Sweeney was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for Valor, the Silver Star, the Special Forces Tab and a host of other medals, ribbons, and commendations. Additionally, he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal posthumously. SSG Sweeney would later be referred to a “proven combat warrior” and a “leader of leaders.”

“Paul was an easygoing guy who was quick to make friends, loved the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and the New Jersey Devils,” one family member said.

Both of SSG Sweeney’s sons are Folds of Honor Scholarship recipients.