"The epitome of our Ranger medics"

Spc. Jonathan K. Peney. DoD photo.

Marietta ranger killed in Afghanistan hailed as hero
By Mike Morris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An Army Ranger from Marietta who was killed in Afghanistan while trying to give medical aid to a fellow soldier is being hailed as a hero for his actions.

Spc. Jonathan K. Peney, 22, died Tuesday in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was shot by enemy forces. He was killed while moving under heavy fire to provide aid to a wounded Ranger, the Defense Department said.

Peney was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia, according to the Department of Defense.

Peney, who enlisted in the Army in 2005, had served as a combat medic for more than two years. He was on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan.

"Spc. Peney was the epitome of our Ranger medics -- warrior first, expert in advanced medical treatment, and selflessly dedicated to the care of others," Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment, said in a statement released by the Army.

"Spc. Peney did not hesitate to move under heavy fire to the care of another wounded Ranger," Kurilla said. "He is a hero to our nation, the 75th Ranger Regiment and his family."

The soldier had previously received numerous medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

Peney, who had been married for less than a year, is survived by his wife, Kristen E. Peney of Savannah and his mother, Sue L. Peney of LaGrange.

Godspeed, SPC Peney. RLTW!