FORT BENNING, GA — A U.S. Army Ranger assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA, was killed in a single tactical vehicle accident on 07 September 2018.
1LT Connor Bednarzyk, 25, was an Infantry Officer assigned as the Platoon Leader of the Distribution Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Bednarzyk was born on 16 October 1992 in Virginia, and served three years in the Army, first as a Platoon Leader in 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO, and most recently as a Platoon Leader in 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
“First Lieutenant Connor Bednarzyk was an amazing Ranger, leader, and friend.” said Lieutenant Colonel Michael Klopper, Commander 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. “He was known throughout the Battalion for his caring and positive attitude. He will be missed by all.”
Bednarzyk completed Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Benning, GA in 2015 before transferring to 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment in April 2016.
His military education includes the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, Basic Airborne School, U.S. Air Assault School, the U.S. Army Ranger School, and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 2 Course.
His awards and decorations include the coveted Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge, the Army Parachutist Badge, and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge. He has also been awarded the Army Achievement Medal w/ 1 Oak Leaf Custer, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.
Bednarzyk is survived by his parents and his siblings.