United States Army Sgt. 1st Class Dae Han Park was born on July 25, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, and was later adopted by Joseph and Bonnie Schneider of Watertown, Connecticut, alongside his twin brother and younger sister. Growing up, he demonstrated early promise in academics and physical pursuits, and graduated from Watertown High School in 1992 before beginning what would become a remarkable military career.

In February 1998, Park enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman, motivated by a strong desire to serve his adopted country and take on challenges that matched his disciplined character. His entry into military service marked the beginning of a journey defined by resilience, expertise, and commitment. After completing basic and advanced individual training, he was initially assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Early in his career, Sgt. 1st Class Park distinguished himself in infantry leadership. In 2000, he earned the highly respected Ranger Tab, symbolizing his completion of one of the Army’s most demanding courses of instruction, and he later competed in the Best Ranger Competition in 2002. In March 2003, he deployed to Iraq as a Rifle Squad Leader, where he led Soldiers in combat operations during the early stages of what would become Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following his return from Iraq, Park served as an observer/controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana, a role that involved training and evaluating Army units preparing for deployment. In 2005, seeking more challenging and specialized service, he volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, successfully completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2006, and earned his place among the Army’s most elite Soldiers.

Park was subsequently assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he served as a Special Forces communications sergeant with Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA). In this capacity, he engaged in numerous international missions, contributing his skills and leadership in countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, and the Philippines, as well as returning to service in Iraq.

Sgt. 1st Class Park’s military education was extensive and advanced, reflecting his commitment to excellence. He completed U.S. Army Airborne School, Warrior Leader Course, Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Courses, Air Assault School, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School, Jumpmaster Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, and the Special Forces Qualification Course — all hallmarks of professional mastery in special operations and leadership.

His service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal (fourth award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Overseas Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat shortly before his angelversary.

In March 2011, Sgt. 1st Class Park deployed to Afghanistan for his fourth overseas assignment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On March 12, 2011, while conducting reconnaissance and security operations in Wardak Province, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), and he lost his life while serving at the age of 35. His death deeply affected his unit, family, and the broader military community.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Dae Han Park was a devoted husband to Mi Kyong Park and a loving father to their daughters, Niya and Sadie, whom he treasured above all else. Family, friends, and comrades remember him as a quietly determined leader who approached each task with discipline, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty — traits that defined both his professional life and his personal relationships.

As news of his passing spread, Connecticut’s Governor ordered both United States and state flags lowered to half-staff through the day of his burial, honoring the magnitude of his sacrifice and the profound impact of his service. Community members, veterans’ groups, and those touched by his life gathered to pay tribute to a Soldier whose commitment spanned continents and whose legacy continues to inspire others.

Dates:
• Birth: July 25, 1975 — Seoul, South Korea (later raised in Watertown, Connecticut)
• Angelversary: March 12, 2011 — Wardak Province, Afghanistan

Service & Achievements:
• United States Army Sergeant First Class, Special Forces Communications Sergeant, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
• Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
• Ranger Tab recipient (2000); Special Forces qualified (2006); competed in Best Ranger Competition (2002)
• Extensive military schools and qualifications including Airborne, Air Assault, SERE, Jumpmaster, and Special Operations courses
• Awards include Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat and Expert Infantryman Badges, Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, Parachutist and Air Assault Badges, Purple Heart (posthumous)

United States Army Sgt. 1st Class Dae Han Park’s legacy remains a profound testament to dedication, resilience, and service — a life lived fully in pursuit of mission, family, and country.

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