United States Army Specialist David Richard Fahey Jr. was born on December 13, 1987, in Norwalk, Connecticut, and spent his earliest years attending Fox Run Elementary School and Ponus Ridge Middle School before his family relocated. He moved between Norwalk and Yorktown Heights, New York, during his childhood, ultimately forming close ties in both communities.

David’s early life was shaped by love, resilience, and a sense of responsibility to others. After his father’s early passing, he, his siblings, and cousins were cared for and formally adopted by his aunt Frances Fahey and uncle Tom Fahey, who provided a nurturing home and instilled life lessons in strength, compassion, and loyalty. These influences stayed with him throughout his life, and he maintained warm connections with his brothers, sisters, and extended family.

He graduated from New Hope Academy in Danbury, Connecticut, in 2006, where classmates and teachers remembered him for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and positive presence. Outside the classroom, David was described as friendly and engaging, someone who could comfort others with a smile or a joke even when circumstances were difficult. He held a passion for fast cars, enjoyed working out, and shared his love of music and life with those around him.

David enlisted in the United States Army on August 31, 2007, in Springfield, Massachusetts, driven by a desire to serve — a calling that followed the events of September 11, 2001, and his own strong sense of patriotic duty. After completing initial training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he served 12 months at Camp Walker in Korea, where he continued to develop his skills, discipline, and dedication to duty.

Assigned to the 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Specialist Fahey embraced the responsibilities of military police work — ensuring security, supporting missions that protected both Soldiers and civilians, and building trust among his unit. In June 2010, his unit deployed to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he continued to exemplify professionalism, commitment, and camaraderie with his fellow Soldiers.

On February 28, 2011, while conducting a morning patrol in Kandahar Province, Spc. Fahey’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). He lost his life while serving his country at just 23 years old, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice that deeply affected his family, his unit, and the communities that knew and honored him.

At his funeral and the subsequent memorial service, family, friends, and fellow service members shared stories of his infectious smile, his integrity, and his willingness to go the extra mile — whether in training, on patrol, or in his interactions with those around him. His squad leader spoke of how David always ensured the safety and success of missions, and how his cheerful spirit uplifted his comrades even under the most demanding circumstances.

In recognition of his service and sacrifice, Specialist Fahey was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and numerous campaign and service medals — honors that reflect both his bravery and his dedicated service in conflict zones far from home.

David’s memory is preserved and honored in both Connecticut and New York. His name was added to the Shea-Magrath memorial plaque at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk and included on a City Hall veterans plaque, ensuring that his service continues to be remembered in his hometown. In 2015, a bridge along Interstate 95 in Norwalk was designated the Army Specialist David R. Fahey Jr. Memorial Bridge — a permanent tribute to his service and sacrifice.

Dates:
• Birth: December 13, 1987 — Norwalk, Connecticut
• Angelversary: February 28, 2011 — Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

Service & Achievements:
• United States Army Specialist, Military Police, 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade
• Served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2010–2011)
• Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Drivers and Mechanics Badge

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