On March 12, 2011, the nation mourned the loss of a hero, Sergeant First Class Dae Han Park, who gave his life in service to his country during a combat mission in Wardak province, Afghanistan. Born on July 25, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, Dae Han Park was adopted by Joseph and Bonnie Schneider of Watertown, Connecticut, and grew up alongside his twin brother and younger sister.
Dae Han Park’s journey towards military service began at Watertown High School, where he graduated and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army in 1998. His dedication and commitment to excellence quickly propelled him into the elite ranks of the Army Rangers, where he distinguished himself through his courage and leadership. In 2005, driven by a desire to further serve his country, Dae Han volunteered for Special Forces training and successfully completed the rigorous qualification course in 2006.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sergeant First Class Park was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. His deployments took him to various regions across the globe, including Iraq, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and India, where he engaged in critical missions that exemplified his unwavering bravery and tactical acumen.
Sergeant First Class Park’s military journey was marked by numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and multiple commendations for his exceptional service and valor in combat. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the battlefield, evident in his pursuit of advanced military education and mastery of specialized skills that earned him the respect of his peers and leaders alike.
Beyond his military achievements, Dae Han Park was a devoted husband to Mi Kyong Park and a loving father to their two daughters, Niya and Sadie, who were his pride and joy. Despite the demands of his career and the challenges of prolonged separations, he cherished every moment with his family and ensured they remained his guiding light throughout his military journey.
Tragically, Sergeant First Class Dae Han Park made the ultimate sacrifice on March 12, 2011, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during a reconnaissance patrol in Afghanistan. His loss reverberated deeply across the military community and beyond, as friends, comrades, and loved ones remembered him for his selflessness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to duty.
In recognition of his exceptional service and sacrifice, Sergeant First Class Dae Han Park was laid to rest with full military honors. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the freedoms he fought to defend. As the flags flew at half-staff in Connecticut and across the nation, Governor Dannel P. Malloy aptly captured the sentiments of a grateful nation: “He is a hero who died serving his country, and he will be honored and remembered as such.”
Today, we pay tribute to Sergeant First Class Dae Han Park, a true American hero whose bravery and dedication to duty serve as an enduring inspiration to us all. His memory will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s history, reminding us of the profound debt we owe to those who stand on the front lines to safeguard our freedoms.
