Pfc. Cody Norris, 20, was on patrol in Kandahar Province when his unit came under small arms fire Nov. 9.
Norris was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Norris joined the Army in October 2010 as an infantryman. This was his first deployment. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Norris is the third Soldier from 2-34 Armor killed in action since the unit deployed to Kandahar province from Fort Riley in early 2010. The unit is attached to Task Force Spartan.
The La Porte Independent School District issued the following statement:
-
Throughout the district today, we are observing Veterans Day with a number of activities. As we honor the men and women who have bravely served our country, we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own.
We received the news yesterday that Cody Norris, a 2010 graduate of La Porte High School, was killed in the line of duty this week while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. Cody was a product of La Porte schools and was actively involved in the Army JROTC program at LPHS.
Superintendent Lloyd Graham honored Cody's service in his remarks during the La Porte High School Top 100 Academic Honors Banquet on Thursday evening. Student, parent, and staff participants recognized Cody with a moment of silence. Today, during the annual community Veterans' Day Program hosted by La Porte High School, Cody's service and memory were specifically addressed by both Principal Todd Schoppe and the JROTC detachment commander, Captain Tony Hernandez. A packed Bulldog Stadium stood for a moment of silence.
The thoughts and prayers of the entire school district are with Cody's family and friends during this difficult time.
