Personal Details Of Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Personal Details Of Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Defence is now in a position to release the name of the Australian soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last Sunday evening, as the previous operational security constraints are no longer pertinent.

Private Gregory Michael Sher was killed in a rocket attack in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan, early last Sunday evening Australian time.

Private Sher was a member of the Sydney-based 1st Commando Regiment and at the time of the attack was with a Special Operations Task Group element that had deployed from Tarin Kowt to a provincial patrol base.

Private Sher was 30 years old and leaves behind his parents, two brothers and a partner, who are currently receiving support from Defence.

Private Sher was born in South Africa in 1978 and moved to Australia with his family in 1986. He joined the Army in 1998 as an Army Reserve infantryman and deployed to East Timor in 2002. In 2004 he completed the commando selection course and joined the 1st Commando Regiment, going on to complete the suite of Special Forces courses required to become a qualified commando.

For his service in East Timor, Private Sher received the Australian Active Service Medal, the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge. Private Sher has also been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal with ISAF Clasp, the Australian Defence Medal and the Returned from Active Service Badge.

The family has requested their privacy be respected. They will not be conducting any media interviews.

ENDS

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