CONNER, BRADLY

Bradly D. Conner was born on 05 March, 1966 in Tacoma Washington and was raised in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Bradly was the youngest of three boys, and a brother to one sister. He was also the father of three, husband to Cynthia. Bradly participated in ROTC in high school, where he graduated in 1984. He briefly attended the University of Idaho, then transferred to North Idaho College. Bradly studied math and engineering and thought about becoming a teacher. But when his money ran out, he enlisted in the Army on 24 June 1987. 

He initially enlisted as an Ammunition Specialist. After Basic Combat Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and Advanced Individual Training at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, he joined the 515th Ordnance Company, Redstone Arsenal. In 1993, he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He served as a Medical Sergeant in the 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colorado. 

SGM Conner was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2007. This was his fourth deployment to Iraq since 2003. He was killed in action when an improvised explosive device detonated by his vehicle on 09 May 2007 in Al-Hillah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Washington.  

His awards and medals include three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, three Meritorious Service medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, six Army Commendation medals, seven Army Achievement medals, the Joint Meritorious Unit award, five Good Conduct Medals, and two National Defense Medals. He also earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab. 

SGM Conner is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his son, Aaron, his daughters, Katherine and Rachel, all of Fort Lewis, Wash. He is also survived by his parents William and Kay Conner of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, his brothers Brian and Bruce Conner, and his sister Brenda Day. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SGM Bradly Conner for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.