LITTLE ROCK — A soldier from Batesville was killed in Iraq when an explosive device detonated near his patrol, U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln's office said in a statement.
William C. Yauch, 23, died while on a mission in Jalula, a town about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad. Yauch's unit was reportedly attacked Friday with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
“My heart goes out to the family of Specialist Yauch who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation,” Lincoln said. “Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military service members and their families. I am committed to ensuring they have the full support that they need and deserve. Our grateful nation will not forget them when their military service is complete."
Yauch, who was assigned to a unit out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, is survived by his wife of Batesville, his mother of Cave City and his father of Saint Charles, Mo.