Jerald Allen Whisenhunt

SFC Jerald Allen Whisenhunt was born on June 24, 1975 to Richard Whisenhunt and Karen Baldwin. His aunt, Ms. Susan Mitchell, was also one of his primary caregivers. SFC Whisenhunt enlisted in the United States Army on October 24, 2000, continuing a legacy of service within his family that existed for decades. Upon completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training at Ft. Benning, GA, SFC Whisenhunt was assigned with the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry, Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he served as an Automatic Rifleman and a Sniper Team Leader. Upon arriving to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on February 20, 2004, he joined the ranks of the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry. He deployed to Afghanistan on April 20, 2004, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SFC Whisenhunt was a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course and the Combat Lifesavers Course.

On September 30, 2005, SFC Whisenhunt was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, where he served as a Sniper Section Leader, and next to Bravo Company where he served as a Weapons Squad Leader. During his time with the Raging Bulls, SFC Whisenhunt distinguished himself as very technically and tactically proficient. However, he was mainly known as a leader who truly cared for his Soldiers.

SFC Jerald Allen Whisenhunt’s selfless service to his nation revealed truly inspiring professionalism and enthusiasm seldom seen. The vitality with which he embraced life came through in magnificent clarity as he matured as a Soldier. He served with honor and distinction as a Weapons Squad Leader.

SFC Whisenhunt is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Whisenhunt, and his daughter Alyson Nicole Whisenhunt.

SFC Whisenhunt’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.