Post by Chips on Jul 15, 2008 12:33:58 GMT 9.5
SAS Signaller Sean Patrick McCarthy
DECORATED SAS Signaller Sean McCarthy is the latest Australian to die in Afghanistan. The young Digger was killed in a roadside bomb attack.
Defence chief Angus Houston today said Signaller McCarthy, 25, was from the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and had been on his second tour of Afghanistan.
He was killed by a roadside bomb which also injured two other Australian soldiers and a soldier from another country at 2.30pm Adelaide time yesterday.
He is the sixth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, and the second this year.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the three soldiers and the other coalition national were evacuated to coalition medical facilities immediately after the incident.
"Despite receiving the best possible medical attention, Signaller McCarthy succumbed to his wounds," he said.
"The injuries to the remaining two soldiers do not appear to be life-threatening. However they and the coalition national who was seriously wounded continue to be closely monitored."
Air Chief Marshal Houston said that because the injured soldiers were special forces their personal details would not be made public.
New Zealand-born Mr McCarthy, who was not married, joined the Australian Defence Force in 2001. He was described today as an “avid rugby union supporter”.
On his previous tour in Afghanistan, he was recognised by the special operations commander for his courage and mission focus, including a specific commendation for "maintaining his presence of mind and excellent soldier's skills while in contact with the enemy," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"Signaller McCarthy was an experienced, highly skilled and professional soldier.
"He was very well respected by his comrades and will be sorely missed by his many friends."
DECORATED SAS Signaller Sean McCarthy is the latest Australian to die in Afghanistan. The young Digger was killed in a roadside bomb attack.
Defence chief Angus Houston today said Signaller McCarthy, 25, was from the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and had been on his second tour of Afghanistan.
He was killed by a roadside bomb which also injured two other Australian soldiers and a soldier from another country at 2.30pm Adelaide time yesterday.
He is the sixth Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, and the second this year.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the three soldiers and the other coalition national were evacuated to coalition medical facilities immediately after the incident.
"Despite receiving the best possible medical attention, Signaller McCarthy succumbed to his wounds," he said.
"The injuries to the remaining two soldiers do not appear to be life-threatening. However they and the coalition national who was seriously wounded continue to be closely monitored."
Air Chief Marshal Houston said that because the injured soldiers were special forces their personal details would not be made public.
New Zealand-born Mr McCarthy, who was not married, joined the Australian Defence Force in 2001. He was described today as an “avid rugby union supporter”.
On his previous tour in Afghanistan, he was recognised by the special operations commander for his courage and mission focus, including a specific commendation for "maintaining his presence of mind and excellent soldier's skills while in contact with the enemy," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"Signaller McCarthy was an experienced, highly skilled and professional soldier.
"He was very well respected by his comrades and will be sorely missed by his many friends."