Nyle Yates
Corporal, United States Army
January 21, 1984 – March 16, 2006
Age – 22
Eagle, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY
Killed when he came under small arms fire by enemy forces in Samarra, Iraq
Cpl. Nyle Yates III of Lake Odessa, Mich., graduated Lakewood High in 2002, and attended the Harvest Community Church in Lake Odessa. He was born a son of Nyle Yates Jr. and Jamie Edgecomb. He was a kind, softhearted, and loving person. “Nyle is loved…he is missed…and he is our Hero.” said his mother Jami Edgecomb
Nyle joined the Army right after graduation in 2002 from Lakewood High School in Lake Odessa, MI. He was stationed at Ft.Campbell, KY and served with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Iron Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division.
During his second deployment on March 16, 2006, Yates was killed in action in Samarra, Iraq. Nyle served as a rifleman, M249 gunner, M203 gunner, platoon and Company RTO, and training room clerk during both deployments. “Because of his strong values and dedication to the Army values, Nyle rose through the ranks and jobs within the company to finally become the Commander’s Radio Operator.” stated fellow Soldier Sgt. Jameson Smith-USA Ret.
Nyle’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
He was remembered by fellow soldiers with the following –
“When we served together Facebook didn’t exist. We waited in long lines with calling cards to get a 2 minute call home. We wrote letters to loved ones, got 2 month old newspapers, fought for baby wipes and cell phones still folded and had antennas. Somehow, even in the fog of war, life was so much more simple. Now this morning, in this life that seems to be increasingly connected whether I like it or not, I have a picture of you across my news feed to remind me of another brother who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It’s been 9 years since you were taken too soon. It was hard to read through some of these messages left on here because some of the authors have been taken since… Death never seems to get easier to deal with no matter how often you encounter it. I love all you guys. I know you’re watching over us carrying on the mission now. Until our next rendezvous with destiny- RIP brother Yates! RAKKASAN!
-SPC. Bco 2/187 Inf. 2001-2004 OEF1/OIF1″
S.P.D.S. of Portland, OR bwo Redford, M
Yates you were a great battle buddy in Air Assault School and a good friend. I still remember to this day that I got to see you just a few days before you were taken from us. Coming back from mid-tour leave I ran into you which unfortunately didn’t happen enough. I will never forget you and I cannot believe it’s been 5 years already. God Bless you and your family…Rakkasan”
Sgt. Andrew Lancaster D co 3-187 INF of Evansville, IN
“Hey rakkasan brother not a day goes by that I don’t think of that evening. You are always on my mind and got my upmost respect I know u are looking down on all of us and protecting us wherever we are and keeping us laughing in mind and spirit where ever or whatever we may be doing my friend… Thank u for your service and your ultimate sacrifice rakkasan brother may peace be with you… We still got a 3 on 3 bball tournmanet to win soon SSG William J. Scott peace bro”
SFC William Scott of Narrows, VA