Sgt. Justin J. Duffy, 31, of Cozad, Neb., a soldier with the 82nd Airborne Division, was killed in Iraq after a road-side bomb exploded near his Humvee. “Sgt. Justin Duffy was an exceptional NCO and a leader of the highest caliber. He served as an Infantryman with distinction and honor in combat, sacrificing his life for our nation,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Rector, commander, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division. “Our condolences go out to his family and friends as we all mourn his loss.”
Justin Duffy’s PSD team was responsible for support and protection of a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Command Sergeant Major as well as any visiting generals.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Duffy joined the Army in June 2007 and became a truck commander with the 82nd Airborne Division in March 2009.
The youngest of three children, Duffy is survived by his parents, Joseph M. and Janet L. Duffy, of Cozad, Neb., and two sisters.
His parents remembered him as the model son.
“We knew from when Justin was a little boy that he would succeed. His desire to serve his country and be a paratrooper is what made him exemplary,” Joseph and Janet Duffy said in a statement. “We supported him and prayed for him every day. Words cannot express how proud we are of him, and he will always be our hero.”
Duffy's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.
