James G.R. Sartor
Military Branch: Army; Rank: SGM
Summary:
At the time of his death, James was Sergeant Major of A Co, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Fort Carson, Colorado, where he was a leader who led with muddy boots.
James answered the call to serve and joined the Army in June 2001, becoming an infantryman in the 3rd Infantry Division where he quickly deployed to help lead the Invasion of Iraq in 2002.
He earned his Green Beret and was assigned to A Co, 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG(A) in Fort Carson, Colorado where he served for the next 14 years.
James deployed numerous times to include additional combat operations in Iraq in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010-2011, Germany and Israel in 2008, Africa in 2012 and 2013, and Afghanistan in 2017 and 2019.
He was an inspiration, a warrior, a mentor, but first and foremost a family man who left an indelible legacy in the world he left behind through his wife and three children.
Life Achievements/ Recognitions:
James was a dedicated husband, father, career Soldier, and a Special Forces Green Beret.
James graduated from Teague High School with the class of 1997 where he was a standout football player.
James was married to Deanna Unger on June 29, 2002, in Odessa, Texas.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster and National Defense Service Medal, among others.
He has been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal and Bronze Star medal. Ryan also earned the Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, where he earned the title of Honor Grad, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Special Operations Diver Badge and Dive Supervisor Badge.