FORT BRAGG, N.C. - An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper was injured in a motorcycle accident in Fayetteville, N.C., Friday night and later pronounced dead. The incident is currently under investigation.
Pvt. James J. Nickel, 19, of Plano, Texas, was an infantryman assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
"Pvt. Nickel was an outstanding Paratrooper who cared deeply for others," said Lt. Col. J.C. White, commander for 2nd Bn., 505th PIR. "The impact that he had on his fellow Paratroopers was extraordinary for such a young man," he added.
Pvt. Nickel joined the Army in August 2012, attended Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. He attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program and was later assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 505th PIR, 82nd Abn. Div. in February 2013.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
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