Lt. Col. Eric Kruger died this week in Baghdad when the military vehicle he was riding in hit an explosive, according to the Defense Department.
According to the Denver Post, Kruger, 40, graduated from North Garland High School and earned his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in liberal arts from SMU.
Kruger was serving his third tour of duty in the Middle East and had garnished several honors, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Awards and an Army Commendation medal among them.
Military leaders said Kruger was sent to train Iraqi police force and help with reconstruction in Baghdad.
Kruger was based at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. According to the Post, he was the highest-ranking officer from there to be killed in the war.
