Nick Patterson remembered

An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper died of wounds sustained when the truck he was traveling in rolled over near Baghdad, Iraq, Monday.

Sgt. Nicholas J. Patterson, 24, of Rochester, Ind. was a Cavalry Scout with 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

"I first met Nick about 3 years ago when we were in 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment together and then C Troop 1st Squadron, 73rd CAV," said Sgt. Blake Bagby, a fellow soldier.

Patterson joined the Army May 2004. He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training in September 2004 and the Basic Airborne Course in October 2004 at Fort Benning, Ga.

He arrived to the 82nd Airborne Division in October 2004 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as an Infantryman.

"Nick could always be counted on to pick you up and make you smile," added Bagbay. "His concern for his soldiers and friends will be missed by all. Nick I will miss you very much."

Patterson had one previous deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2006 to December 2006.

Patterson's awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two loops, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Parachutist's Badge.

Patterson is survived by his wife, Jayme Patterson; his son Reilley, both of Akron, Ind.; his father, James Patterson of Rochester, Ind.; and his mother Jane Holmes of Warsaw, Ind.

From News 4

Related Link:
Nicholas Patterson reported killed in Iraq