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BIOGRAPHY OF EBE FIRMIN EMOLO

Ebe Firmin Emolo joined the Army in February 2005. He completed vehicle driver advanced individual training and the basic airborne (parachutist) course in November 2005 and was assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in December 2005. Emolo earned the rank of specialist and, as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, was a vehicle driver with his unit.

Emolo was a decorated soldier whose awards included the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist's Badge.

The improvised explosive device which killed Specialist Emolo also killed Captain Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, 25, of East Hampstead, New Hampshire; Specialist Levi K. Hoover, 23, of Midland, Michigan; and Specialist Rodney L. McCandless, 21, of Camden, Arkansas.

According to Specialist Emolo’s Commander in Iraq, LTC Andrew Poppas, the unit had been engaged in brutal fighting in the region when SPC Emolo was killed. LTC Poppas had high praise for Specialist Emolo and said Emolo was the nicest person you ever met, very respectful, a quiet professional. Specialist Emolo was an accomplished soccer player according to LTC Poppas.