Darryn Dean Andrews
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Darryn Dean Andrews grew up in Cameron, TX. He graduated from C. H. Yoe High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science degree in International Business from Texas Tech University and a Master's degree in Education Administration from Texas State University. After the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army. His first 2 attempts were unsuccessful due to medical problems, but he was accepted on his 3rd attempt. So, in 2002, he joined the Army as an enlisted man and planned on making the military his career.

After completing his 1st tour in Afghanistan, Andrews learned of the Army Green to Gold Program, which gives enlisted soldiers the opportunity to earn a commission as an Officer. He was accepted into the program, obtained his Master’s degree from Texas State University and, through their ROTC Program, obtained his commission as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in 2008.

During his 2nd tour in Afghanistan, 2LT Andrews was a platoon leader with the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division out of Fort Richardson, AK. While on patrol with his unit, his vehicle was hit by an IED and he was placed on restricted duty due to a concussion. When he learned his men were going back out, 2LT Andrews took himself off restricted duty and returned to active duty.

During a patrol on 4 September 2009, 2LT Andrews’ unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces in Yahya Khail District, Afghanistan. When the vehicle in front of his hit an IED, 2LT Andrews' vehicle came under heavy rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire. Instead of remaining safely in his vehicle, 2LT Andrews ran to assist in recovering the damaged vehicle from a hole. When 2LT Andrews looked up, he saw a Taliban insurgent come from behind a wall with an RPG and was preparing to fire directly at them. 2LT Andrews yelled "RPG" and immediately pushed his fellow soldiers to the ground, but he was hit. 2LT Andrews sustained mortal wounds from the RPG but his valorous action was essential in saving the lives of 3 Soldiers. 2LT Andrews’ selfless, 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.

Family

Darryn married Julie Smith on 26 February 2007 and they had one son, Daylan. Julie was expecting a daughter when Darryn was killed in action.

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 with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Darryn Deen Andrews, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan, on 4 September 2009. While recovering a vehicle that was disabled, Second Lieutenant Andrews' Platoon came under heavy RPG fire. Second Lieutenant Andrews fatally placed himself between the incoming enemy fire and his fellow comrades. His courage under fire was essential in saving another Soldier's life, and saving the lives of five other Soldiers who were with him. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for 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.

Honors

Burial

Second Lieutenant Darryn Deen Andrews is buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Bexar County, TX, in Section 40, Site 1124.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41670180/darryn-deen-andrews