Army Pfc. Ray J. Hutchinson

Died December 7, 2003 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

---

20, of League City, Texas; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, Ky.; killed Dec. 7 when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle as he was returning from patrol in Mosul, Iraq.

---

For a soldier, Pfc. Ray Joseph Hutchinson was known as a remarkably gentle and sensitive young man. "He wouldn't even kill an insect, which is so strange given the military career he went into," said his older brother, Lee. But when Hutchinson set his mind to something, he dedicated himself entirely, said his father, Michael. "He was selfless and was more than willing to give his all for others, and he did that all throughout his life," Michael Hutchinson said. Hutchinson, 20, of League City, Texas, was killed in Iraq on Dec. 7 when he drove a Humvee over an explosive device that was detonated by remote control. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. Hutchinson graduated from high school in 2000 and attended what is now Texas State University in San Marcos. After a year or so, he decided to join the Army. His family had gained approval for him to return home in December for his grandmother's heart surgery, which took place the day after he was killed.

— Associated Press