A North Texas soldier was killed in action in Afghanistan just two weeks before he was set to come home.
Defense Department officials said 22-year-old Spc. Peter J. Courcy, of Frisco, and another Fort Campbell, Ky., soldier died Tuesday in Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a bombing near their vehicle.
His family described Courcy, a Frisco native and avid hockey player, as an absolute patriot.
"We are very proud parents," his step-father, Christopher Bush, said. "We're obviously very upset, but very proud of Peter's service."
Courcy joined in July 2006 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2007. He is survived by his wife, Mara, of The Colony, Texas; his 5-month-old son, Anthony Luke, of Frisco; his mother and step-father, Mary and Christopher Bush, of Frisco, and his father, Jon Mitchell.
Courcy's mother recently gave birth to a little brother he was planning to meet when his tour ended in March.
His family said his brother and son will both learn of his sacrafice through stories and the memories of his loved ones.
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"He was proud to be a soldier, proud to be in Afghanistan, and we're proud that he went," Christopher Bush said.
Courcy was honored Thursday night at a Frisco hockey game with a moment of silence.
Courcy's former hockey coach said he noticed early on that Courcy was special.
"I just keep thinking about, this is the ice where he developed those leadership skills, and this is where it all started for him," said John McManaman, the hockey programs manager for Frisco's Starcenter.
Courcy's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Sharpshooter Badge.
Details on a memorial service for Courcy are not finalized. His family said they will hold a public reception at the Addison Airport when his body arrives from overseas.
The other victim was 19-year-old Pfc. Jason R. Watson of Many, La.
Both were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell.
A memorial service for the soldiers will be held in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell also holds a monthly memorial service.
Robert Wilonsky of Unfair Park sends this link with some additional information.
