Andrew P. Daul

Specialist, United States Army

August 23, 1985 – December 19, 2006
Age – 21
Brighton, MI

Operation Iraqi Freedom
1^st Battalion, 37^th Armored Regiment, 1^st Brigade, 1^st Armored Division, Frieberg, Germany

Killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M-1 Abrams tank during combat operations near Hit, Iraq.

U.S. Army Specialist Andrew Patrick Daul was manning a checkpoint in Iraq when he witnessed a huge explosion that ignited a nearby vehicle with civilians inside.  Daul leapt from the safety of his tank and pulled the two civilians from the burning car. One died; he breathed life back into and saved the other civilian. Amid all the death in the war, there was a little life because Andrew was that kind of soldier.

It was Daul’s second tour in Iraq, and while he worried like everyone else about the hazards of war, he reassured his family.  Andrew became interested in serving in the military during his senior year at Brighton High. He had served three and a half years, earning various awards and commendations.

He was looking forward to finishing that chapter of his life in July and coming back home to Brighton. He planned to work for his father’s environmental consulting firm for a little while and then pursue a career in fitness or nutrition.

Daul was anavid and competitive bodybuilder, an interest that had its roots in school but blossomed in the military.  His love of weightlifting had blossomed early as he was remembered walking through his high school pumping milk jugs full of water.

He was remembered by a fellow soldier with the following words.

Clinton DECKER

April 29, 2008

If memory serves me right, Andrew pulled his first guard duty with me in Baghdad on his first tour. He came to Dirty PLT. and was a major asset to us. I spent countless hours talking to Andrew about home, his family, girls, cars and the reckless stuff we all done as teenagers. He was a man’s man. I miss him dearly.  As tears come to my eyes now, I will always miss you Andrew and I know you made an impact on everyone’s life whose paths you crossed. America Has lost a VERY GREAT MAN. Daul I know you watch over us now. Andrew do me a favor and put a good word in for all of us guys down here still. We will meet again soon GOD willing. I pray for your family whom you had to leave behind, but we all know you are in a better place now. GOD Bless your family and your soul WE LOVE YA

BROTHER                BIG COUNTRY               Clinton Decker