Travis Wayne Nixon
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 29 October 2005, Staff Sergeant Travis Wayne Nixon was serving as a Weapons Squad Leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, SSG Nixon’s unit was engaging against a numerically superior enemy in the vicinity of Camp Tillman, Afghanistan. Reacting to an attack against his observation post, SSG Nixon selflessly revealed himself to enemy fire, continuously rallying his men through 3 determined Anti-Coalition Militia attacks against his position. Although wounded, SSG Nixon's courageous actions under fire enabled his squad to retain their position and drive off the attacking forces. SSG Nixon’s heroic 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.

SSG Nixon sustained wounds when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. SSG Nixon died of his wounds after he was evacuated to Forward Operating Base Salerno following the attack.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan 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
NATO ISAF Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist 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 Travis Wayne Nixon, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 29 October 2005 in the defense of Hill 2911 in the vicinity of Camp TILLMAN, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Nixon distinguished himself as a Weapons Squad Leader in Company B, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, while engaging against a numerically superior enemy. Reacting to an attack against his observation post, Staff Sergeant Nixon selflessly revealed himself to enemy fire, continuously rallying his men through three determined Anti-Coalition Militia attacks against his position. His selfless service and courage under fire enabled his squad to retain their position and drive off the attacking forces. Staff Sergeant Nixon's intrepid and gallant actions under fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force DEVIL, CJTF-76 and the United States Army.

Burial

Staff Sergeant Travis Wayne Nixon is buried at Raleigh Memorial Park in Raleigh, Wake County, NC.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12244061/travis-wayne-nixon