Flags Flown At Half-Staff For Fallen Gwinnett Soldier

LOGANVILLE, GA — Flags in Georgia flew at half-staff on Friday in honor of a Gwinnett County soldier killed while serving in Syria.

Gov. Nathan Deal ordered the honor for Spc. Etienne J. Murphy, of Loganville.

According to the U.S. Army, the 22-year-old Murphy was killed May 26 in Al-Hasakah, Syria, by injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover incident. The incident is under investigation, Army officials said.

Murphy was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah.

In an executive order, Deal said Murphy "honorably served our country as an infantryman."

"It is fitting and proper to recognize the sacrifices made by SPC Etienne J. Murphy by lowering the flags on all state buildings and grounds to half-staff," Deal said in the order.

During his service, Murphy earned the Parachutist Badge, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the NATO Medal and the Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. He was posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

Photo courtesy U.S. Army