Sergeant Jason Anthony Santora 3/75

[Ranger]

Died on April 23, 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom

Sergeant Jason Anthony Santora, 25, was a team leader assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. He was born on March 11, 1985 in Bethpage, N.Y. Sergeant Santora was seriously wounded in an engagement with an enemy force in Logar Province, Afghanistan. He later succumbed to his wounds. He was on his fourth deployment in support of the War on Terror with one previous deployment to Afghanistan and two deployments to Iraq.

After graduating from high school, Sergeant Santora enlisted in the U.S. Army from his hometown of Massapequa Park, N.Y. in March 2006. He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning. After graduating from the Ranger Indoctrination Program he was then assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Reg. in September 2006 where he served as a mortarman. In June 2008 he was assigned to D Company as a rifle team leader. His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Indoctrination Program, and the U.S. Army Ranger Course.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, three Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He is survived by his father Gary Santora of Medford, N.Y., his mother Theresa Santora of Massapequa, N.Y., his sister, Gina Santora of Medford, and his uncle Ralph Fico, of Massapequa Park, N.Y.

As a Ranger, Sergeant Jason Santora selflessly lived his life for others and distinguished himself as a member of the Army’s premier light-infantry unit, continuously deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, and fought valiantly as he served his fellow Rangers and our great Nation.

RIP Ranger Santora
RLTW