A soldier based out of Fort Drum in New York was killed in combat in Afghanistan this week, the Pentagon said Friday.
Sgt. 1st Class Todd M. Harris, 37, of Tucson, Ariz., died November 3 in Badghis province after insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire, the Department of Defense said.
Gov. David Paterson ordered flags on state government buildings to fly at half-staff on November 8 in Harris's honor.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers I wish to extend our sympathy to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Sergeant First Class Harris," Governor Paterson said. "Though not a native New Yorker, we consider all those who serve at Fort Drum to be part of our New York family. While we mourn his death we will honor his service to our country."
Harris was assigned to the 87th Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum.
