Ira B. Laningham

Private First Class Ira B. Laningham, IV, age 22, of Zapata, Texas, was killed on January 7, 2011, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

He was with the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Polk, La. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2010.

Ira Laningham joined the U.S. Army in November 2009 and after completing training arrived in Fort Polk in June 2010.

Ira Laningham's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

Ira Laningham is survived by his wife, mother and stepfather.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Ira B. Laningham IV is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen