Christopher Michael Alcozer
Private First Class, U.S. Army

Christopher Michael Alcozer was a graduate of Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, IL, in the class of 2003.

On 19 November 2005, Private First Class Christopher Michael Alcozer was serving with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Wainwright, AK, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, PFC Alcozer’s unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces near Mosul, Iraq. During a patrol, PFC Alcozer was providing suppressive fire and evacuating casualties. While under intensive enemy fire, PFC Alcozer continued to engage the enemy and assist in the evacuation of his fellow Soldiers until he sustained a fatal wound. PFC Alcozer’s courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Infantryman Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Christopher Michael Alcozer, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM near Mosul, Iraq, on 19 November 2005. Private First Class Alcozer displayed extraordinary courage while providing suppressive fire and evacuating casualties during a patrol. While under intense enemy fire, he continued to engage the enemy and evacuate his fellow Soldiers until receiving a fatal wound. Private First Class Alcozer's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Burial

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12607289/christopher-michael-alcozer