A U.S. Army Sergeant from Rockford was killed after his vehicle was attacked with an explosive device in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.
Sgt. Michael E. Ristau, 25, died from the wounds he sustained from an attack in Qalat, Zabul Province, on Friday, the Department of Defense said.
He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Ristau was serving in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was his second deployment.
"His awards and decorations include Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles," the Department of Defense stated in a press release.
Ristau is survived by a wife and child.
