AZ SR1005

Army Specialist Michael Davis Elm, age 25, died on October 14, 2011 from wounds sustained during a combat mission in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

Elm graduated from Greenway High School in 2004 and served in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

During his deployment, Elm's unit identified and destroyed 17 terrorist cells through intelligence work; he volunteered for field missions despite being involved in three prior improvised explosive device explosions.

Elm received multiple military decorations including the Purple Heart (three awarded, one posthumously), Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and other service medals.

The Arizona Senate expresses regret at Elm's death and extends condolences to his family members; he was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on October 31, 2011.