2 soldiers from Fort Benning killed in combat

FORT BENNING — Two U.S. Army Rangers based at Fort Benning were killed during combat operations in Afghanistan on Oct. 6.

Army officials identified the soldiers as Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, 25, and Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, 24. They were assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Benning.

The men were two of four who were killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Kandahar Province.

Hawkins was born Oct. 1, 1988 in Carlisle, Pa. This was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan.

"Sgt. Patrick Hawkins was a brave and incredibly talented Ranger," said Lt. Col. Patrick J. Ellis, commander of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. "He was moving to the aid of a wounded Ranger when he was killed. His actions that night were in keeping with the epitome of the Ranger Creed: 'I will never leave a fallen comrade.' Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hawkins family during this difficult time."

Hawkins is survived by his wife, Brittanie M. Hawkins, of Lansing, Kan., and his parents, Roy and Shelia Hawkins, of Carlisle, Pa. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart.

Patterson was born April 12, 1989, in Corvallis, Ore. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

"Pfc. Cody Patterson was the poster child for the Ranger Regiment," said Ellis. "He was courageous and dedicated and lost his life while fighting tenaciously against our nation's enemies alongside his fellow Rangers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family."

He was posthumously awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart and NATO Medal.

Patterson is survived by his mother, Nancy R. Wilson of Corvallis, Ore., and his father, Randy L. Patterson, and sister, Taylor, both of Philomath, Ore.

WSBTV