Flags were ordered lowered for slain soldier Sgt First Class Ramon S. Morris on Friday by Alaska’s governor Bill Walker it was announced on Thursday.

From Manhattan, Sgt Morris was assigned to A Company, 3rd Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

Morris served three tours in Iraq before going to Afghanistan. This tour was to be his last. During his active duty, Morris, who has a daughter in Fairbanks, received the Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals and six Army Good Conduct Medals among several other military commendations.

Morris was killed on December 12 in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. Initial reports indicate that Sergeant First Class Morris died of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Sgt Morris’s colleague, Spc. Wyatt Joseph Martin also died in the attack.

During his announcement Governor Walker said,

“My thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant First Class Morris’ family as they work to cope with this tragic loss. Sergeant First Class Morris gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect his country, and his service will not go unnoticed. I encourage all Alaskans to give thanks to the brave men and women who are serving, or have served, in our nation’s military.”

Flags will be flown at half-mast for a full day today and return to full mast on Saturday.

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