The Defense Department on Wednesday released the name of the soldier who was killed this week in Afghanistan.



Staff Sgt. Adam Thomas, 31, died Tuesday in Nangarhar Province from injuries caused by an improvised explosive device that exploded during dismounted operations, according to DoD. Thomas was partnered with Afghan forces when he was killed, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told reporters Tuesday.



The incident is under investigation.





Thomas, of Takoma Park, Maryland, was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colorado.

"The 10th Special Forces Group wishes to express deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends who have been tragically touched by the loss of Staff Sgt. Adam Thomas," Col. Isaac Peltier, commander of 10th Special Forces Group, said in a statement. "Staff Sgt. Thomas epitomized what it is to be a professional Green Beret and soldier. His loss from our organization and his memory will not be forgotten."

Staff Sgt. Adam Thomas

Photo Credit: Army

Thomas joined the Army in April 2008; he was stationed at Fort Carson since February, according to information from 10th Special Forces Group.

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A Special Forces medical sergeant, Thomas deployed once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Basic Military Free Fall Parachute Badge.