Army Captain Eric Thomas Paliwoda was born on February 23, 1975, in Hartford, Connecticut, and grew up in Farmington before his family later lived in West Hartford. From an early age he demonstrated talent, integrity, and leadership both in the classroom and on the athletic field. At Conard High School he was an exceptional student and a standout athlete, earning All‑State and All‑American honors in basketball and participating in track and field as a testament to his discipline and competitive spirit. His excellence earned him a congressional nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he continued to excel as a Division I athlete and scholar.

After graduating from West Point in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Eric was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and embarked on a career that reflected his dedication to service, professional growth, and leadership. His early assignments included duty at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as both a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in an engineering battalion, shaping Soldiers and ensuring operational excellence. He later served at Fort Carson, Colorado, where his talents as a Battalion Personnel Officer and Assistant Brigade Engineer further demonstrated his broad competence and trusted leadership.

Eric’s military education was extensive and rigorous, including graduation from the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Scout Platoon Leaders Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Cavalry Leaders Course — all of which contributed to his abilities as a tactician, planner, and leader of Soldiers in demanding environments.

At the time of his final deployment, he was serving as Company Commander of Bravo Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). Under his command, the unit conducted essential engineering and support missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, contributing to mobility, construction, and force protection operations that enabled broader mission success. In his command role, Eric was known not only for his professional expertise but also for his deep care for the Soldiers he led — always attentive to their welfare and development as Soldiers and as people.

On January 2, 2004, while in his command post in Balad, Iraq, Captain Paliwoda was killed in action when insurgents fired mortars into his position. He was 28 years old. His loss was felt immediately by those he led and by the broader Army family, as well as by his family, fiancée, and friends. He had also recently been selected to return to West Point as an instructor in the Department of Environmental Studies — a role he had been looking forward to and one that reflected his commitment to education and mentorship.

During his career Captain Paliwoda was awarded several decorations in recognition of his service, leadership, and sacrifice, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (with multiple awards), the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon — honors that reflect his valor, merit, and devotion to duty.

Eric’s personal qualities — his commanding presence, genuine concern for others, quick wit, and generous spirit — made a lasting impact on all who knew him. Whether on the basketball court, in the classroom, among his West Point classmates, or while leading Soldiers in combat, he inspired confidence, respect, and loyalty.

He is remembered not only for his service and sacrifice but for the fullness of his life: the student and athlete, the leader and mentor, the engineer officer and future teacher, the fiancé and son whose life was filled with promise. Captain Eric Thomas Paliwoda was laid to rest with honor at the West Point Military Cemetery, a place befitting his service, leadership, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Dates:
• Birth: February 23, 1975, Hartford, Connecticut
• Angelversary: January 2, 2004, Balad, Iraq

Service & Achievements:
• United States Army Engineer Officer
• 1997 Graduate, United States Military Academy at West Point
• Company Commander, Bravo Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized)
• Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Honors include Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon

Captain Eric Thomas Paliwoda’s life and service exemplify the highest ideals of leadership, courage, and devotion to his Soldiers and his country — a legacy that continues to inspire and be remembered with honor.