Michigan Green Beret, 'One of Our Nation's Finest,' Dies in Battle in Afghanistan

A Green Beret from Michigan who served two tours of duty in Iraq was killed Friday, Nov. 14, during a combat mission in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Defense Department said Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart, 31, of Bay City died from injuries sustained in a small arms fire in the Kunduz Province, The Bay City Times/MLive reports.

Cathcart was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, NC.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Michael Sullivan said that the unit lost “one of our nation’s finest” and that the highly decorated soldier “died a true warrior with his fellow teammates at his side.”

Cathcart, had earned three Bronze Stars medals and a Purple Heart for his prior service, which included two combat tours to Iraq in 2003 and 2005. He was awarded a fourth Bronze Star and a Meritorious Service Award posthumously.

A graduate of Bay City Central High School, he enlisted in the Army in June 2001 as a fire support specialist. After completing basic and advanced training, he reported to the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles.

His mother, Jeanne Cathcart, and sister, Trishia, were at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware awaiting the return of his body to the United States. Memorial services are pending, but are expected to include rites at Fort Bragg and in Bay City.

_____

Photo courtesy of 3rd Special Forces Group