Army First Lieutenant Derek Hines

First Lieutenant Derek Steven Hines, 25, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, served with the 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy. He died on September 1, 2005, in Baylough, Afghanistan, when his patrol came under enemy small-arms fire. Although mortally wounded, 1LT Hines continued firing to protect his soldiers.

1LT Hines grew up in Newburyport and graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA. He entered the United States Military Academy in 1999 and became a four-year member and captain of the Army hockey team. After graduating in 2003, he completed Ranger and airborne training and joined the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a second Purple Heart.

Fellow soldiers remembered Hines as exceptionally courageous, hardworking and selfless. The Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award was later established to recognize a college hockey player who exemplifies his sportsmanship, competitiveness, intelligence and work ethic.

1LT Hines was survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister.