Army Pfc. James W. Price

Died September 18, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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22, of Cleveland, Tenn.; assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; killed Sept. 18 when an improvised explosive device hit his convoy vehicle in Baghdad.

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Family, friends pay honor to soldier killed in Iraq

Associated Press

RADCLIFF, Ky. — A 22-year-old private killed this month in Iraq was remembered by family and friends as a dedicated soldier.

Army Pfc. James Price, a Bradley fighting vehicle system mechanic, was one of two soldiers killed Sept. 18 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device hit their vehicle. He and Sgt. Thomas C. Rosenbaum, 25, were on their way to the site of another explosion when they were killed, the Defense Department said Sept. 21.

Price was a native of Grand Forks, N.D., and lived most of his life in Florida. His mother, Darlene Howell, lives in Vine Grove, Ky.

At Saturday’s memorial service, family friend John Wood spoke of Price’s pride for his family and his determination.

“Today our hearts are heavy,” he said. “But we can also be joyful knowing that James led his life exactly as he chose to.”

Staff Sgt. William Peterson said Price was always the first person to stand behind his fellow soldiers. Peterson worked with Price in the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment based in Fort Hood, Texas.

“He never left anyone behind,” he said. “It’s unbelievable to be sitting at a funeral now knowing how dedicated he was to his job.”

After the service, Price was given full military honors and awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his actions.