Spc. Dennis Weichel Dead: U.S. Soldier Dad Of 3 Kids Dies Saving Afghan Boy

Flags were lowered at half staff in Providence, R.I. for a soldier who died saving an Afghan child.

While riding in a convoy in Laghman Province in eastern Afghanistan Thursday, Spc. Dennis P. Weichel Jr., 29, and his unit, noticed children collecting shell casings on the road ahead, ABC reports.

The soldiers urged the children to get out of the way, but one boy ran back to pick up more casings underneath a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle -- a truck that can weigh more than 16 tons.

To protect the boy from the massive vehicle, the Rhode Island National Guardsman lifted him out of the way, but the armored truck struck Weichel.

Weichel later died from injuries he sustained and the boy survived, according to the news outlet.

"Specialist Dennis Weichel's life was marked by bravery, selflessness, and commitment to others -- and unfortunately it was in demonstrating these remarkable characteristics that it was lost," Governor Lincoln Chafee said, according to WPRI. “And he will be remembered, and mourned, by people across our state as a great Rhode Islander.”

Weichel was posthumously promoted to Sergeant and was awarded the bronze star. He is survived by his parents, fiancé and three children.

CORRECTION: According to the Associated Press, Dennis Weichel died saving an Afghan boy, not an Afghan girl as the military initially reported.

SLIDESHOW:

Comments

[johnnygoldmanx23]

07:43 AM on 04/19/2012

This is what Americans do, invade other countries and then 'rescue' people from their own aggression.

[-PZ-]

09:49 AM on 04/15/2012

Rest in peace Dennis...

As a muslim, I pray that God grants you a place in paradise; and gives your family patience in face of this loss...

[phal4875]

01:57 PM on 04/02/2012

Although I am not religious, that man is what a Christian should be.

[candy8teen]

08:25 AM on 04/03/2012

Religious or not he is what everyone should be (loving tort others)

[brutusmojo]

05:29 PM on 04/01/2012

I know how this is first hand,straight to heaven for this one.and I know hes blessed.

[keldog4511]

04:21 PM on 04/01/2012

Whatever the regulations, this soldier was obviously put in a situation where, had he ignored his own conscience, he would not have been able to live with the result. I feel for his children who will now be without him. I hope there is consolation for them in the fact that he could not stand by while someone else's child was in danger. Most of us will never have to make that type of decision.

[wisemom3990]

12:57 AM on 04/01/2012

What a story. What an amazing man. His three children are deprived of growing up with their remarkable father, but they will grow up with the memory and proud legacy of his heroism. My heart goes out to his family. We are thankful for his courage and selfless sacrifice.

[Tellie Lime]

12:18 AM on 04/01/2012

My heart goes out to Spc. Weichel's family. My sincere condolences. These soldiers should be home with their families instead of languishing in a place where they're not wanted nor appreciated.

[Zacky Ahmed]

08:21 PM on 03/31/2012

Naturally bad news and controversy always get the front page headlines, but If anyone had a preconceived notion that all soldiers were bad, or all soldiers were good,
then they are the stupid ones for generalizing all soldiers, this story should not surprise you.

last time when I heard the news about the US soldier killing all those innocent civilians, I was disgusted, not only by his actions but also for ruining the reputation of all the US soldiers like Spc. Dennis Weichel.

[robjh1]

12:32 PM on 03/31/2012

This story should also make the front page, like the story of the US soldier killing the Afghan people. Equal billing.

[Roommate]

10:46 AM on 03/31/2012

Over 6000 killed, bring all the troops home

[mahdeealoo]

09:50 AM on 03/31/2012

Bless his soul and that of his family and supporters for this brave action. I'm glad it did not go unpublished.

[Dwayne Robbins]

07:02 AM on 03/31/2012

I wonder when this is going to cause rioting in the streets of Afghanistan and attacks against the US Embassy???

[East Coast Sam III]

04:54 AM on 03/31/2012

So sad ...why must all of this fighting go on?

[acorum420]

04:09 AM on 03/31/2012

that is what you call a true hero!

[mossypond]

01:40 AM on 03/31/2012

I wish every American had the integrity, compassion, morals, and courage of Spc. Dennis Weichel. If we all did there wouldn't be any problem we couldn't overcome as a nation. God bless his family and fellow soldiers.