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Accidental explosion kills ranger
0714-Joseph-Dimock
Spc. Joseph Whiting Dimock II - photo by U.S. Army photo
A Hunter Army Airfield soldier died from injuries sustained in an accidental explosion July 10 in Salerno, Afghanistan, while he was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Joseph Whiting Dimock II, 21, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
The Wildwood, Ill., native was killed when an explosion occurred in an ammunition-holding facility during an inventory, according to U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs. The explosion also injured another Army ranger who was conducting the inspection, public affairs confirmed.
Dimock enlisted in the Army in August 2007. For most of that time, he served as a rifleman in 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
“Ranger Dimock represented everything right with America,” 1st Ranger Battalion commander Lt. Col. Mike Foster said. “He was an incredibly talented young man who volunteered to serve his nation in a time of war and ultimately gave his life in support of her cause. His loss is felt across the entire battalion and our thoughts and prayers are with the Dimock family.”
This tour was Dimock’s second deployment to Afghanistan. He also served in Iraq.
“Spc. Dimock was a warrior who chose a higher calling and deployed three times in support of the nation. Joseph remains a hero to our nation, the Army and his family,” 75th Ranger Regiment commander Col. Michael Kurilla said.
Dimock is survived by his parents, Joseph and Ellen Dimock of Wildwood.

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