U.S. Army Spc. Henry Mayfield, Jr. has been killed serving his country.
The Associated Press reported that Mayfield, 23, died in a terrorist attack Sunday that was perpetrated by al-Shabab Islamic extremists at Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya.
Mayfield’s family confirmed his death, and WTVY confirmed that he was stationed at Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass.
The army specialist is a native of the Chicago area and enlisted in 2018. Two American military contractors were also killed in the attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our teammates who lost their lives today,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, in a statement. “As we honor their sacrifice, let’s also harden our resolve. Alongside our African and international partners, we will pursue those responsible for this attack and al-Shabaab who seeks to harm Americans and U.S. interests.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.