Staff Sgt. Nicholas P. Bellard

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Department of Defense announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation New Dawn June 15 2011.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas P. Bellard, 26, whose home of record is listed as El Paso, Texas, died June 13, in Wasit province, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Bellard joined the military in October 2003 as a cavalry scout was assigned to 6th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, since August 2008.

Bellard deployed in support of Operation New Dawn from January 2011 to June 2011 and Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2009 to November 2009.

Bellard’s awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two combat service stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.