Col. Gregory Townsend, an Auburn alumnus, died from injuries sustained in an accident on April 22.
The decorated Army hero was helping a motorist change a tire on a Virginia highway before the vehicle fell on him, according to his command. He was taken by helicopter to VCU Critical Care Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, where he received treatment until his death.
Townsend, 46, was commander of the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade at the Fort Lee Army Base in Virginia. He grew up in Alabama and attended Auburn University. After graduation, Townsend entered the Army in May 1996.
He was deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He then assumed command of the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade at Fort Lee in July 2017.
Townsend was given a number of awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal and Joint Staff Commendation Medal.
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