Jerry Micheal Durbin, Jr.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

Jerry Micheal Durbin, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2001. After completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, GA, he was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. In November 2004, he arrived at Fort Campbell, KY, for service with the 101st Infantry Division (Air Assault).

On 25 January 2006, Staff Sergeant Jerry Micheal Durbin, Jr. was serving with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Infantry Division (Air Assault), attached to the 4th Infantry Division, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was his 2nd tour in Iraq.

On that day, SSG Durbin’s heroic actions during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team mission. SSG Durbin’s selfless actions, complete disregard for his own safety, and dedication to completing the mission at any cost saved the lives of his fellow comrades when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded near his dismounted patrol during combat operations in Baghdad. SSG Durbin’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 Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation
Army Valorous Unit Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Combat Infantryman Badge
Air Assault 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 Staff Sergeant Jerry Michael Durbin, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally valorous achievement while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 25 January 2006. Staff Sergeant Durbin's heroic actions during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the 2d Brigade Combat Team mission. His selfless actions, complete disregard for his own safety, and dedication to completing the mission at any cost saved the lives of his fellow comrades. His bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 2d Brigade Combat Team, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the United States Army.

Burial

Staff Sergeant Jerry Micheal Durbin, Jr. is buried at the Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Harris County, TX, in Section S2, Site 24.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14428776/jerry-micheal-durbin