Pfc. Matthew R. Grandy, 24, of Wake Forest, was a Paratrooper with the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div.
He arrived to the unit in September 2007. Grandy had never previously deployed.
"Pfc. Grandy served America at a pivotal time in our nation's history, and was always eager to accomplish his assigned mission," said Cpt. Raphael Vasquez, Grandy's company commander.
Grandy joined the Army in Aug. 2006. He completed Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., in Oct. 2006. He then attended specialized training at Ft. Gordon, Ga.. and the Basic Airborne Course at Ft. Benning, Ga. in 2007.
Grandy's awards and decorations include: the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist's Badge.
Grandy is survived by his mother and father, Theresa and Alfred Grandy of Wake Forest, N.C., and a sister, Alisha Grandy of Wake Forest, N.C.
