Salem County-native Army Spc. Richard Emmons III was killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Emmons was born and raised in Pedricktown, N.J. and lived there until he was 14, his grandmother Carol Tighe told NBC Philadelphia.
He died Monday from wounds he suffered when his unit was attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade, according to the Department of Defense.
The 22-year-old was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.
His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge, according to NBCConnecticut.com.
Emmons had most recently lived in North Granby, Conn.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
