FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- U.S. Army Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Joshua "Zach" Beale, 32, was killed, January 22, 2019, in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua "Zach" Beale, succumbed to wounds sustained from small arms fire. 

"Joshua was a smart, talented and dedicated member of 3rd SFG (A) and the special operations community. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the fortunate opportunity to know him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family for this tragic loss," said Col. Nathan Prussian, 3rd SFG (A) commander. 

Beale, a native of Carrollton, Virginia, had more than seven years of service in the Army. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University in 2008, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2011. He attended Basic Training, Fort Benning, Georgia, where he graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School. Beale graduated in 2013 from the Special Forces Qualification Course and was subsequently assigned to 3rd SFG (A).

While assigned to 3rd SFG (A), he graduated from numerous other Army courses, including the Advanced Leader Course, Special Forces Sniper Course, and U.S. Army Ranger School. This was his fourth overseas tour, and his third tour to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge and Combat Infantry Badge. 

Beale was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was posthumously promoted to Sgt. 1st Class.

Beale is survived by his wife and two children. 

- Sine Pari -