FORT STEWART -- The Third Infantry Division has confirmed the death of Spc. Bryant J. Luxmore, from New Windsor, Ill., during combat operations supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Luxmore, 25, was assigned to Bravo Company, 1-64th Armor Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team and deployed in March 2012 for a nine-month deployment. Sunday, Luxmore and his fellow soldiers were on a dismounted patrol with Afghan National Security Forces near Panjwai, Afghanistan, when they came under enemy fire and he sustained a fatal gunshot wound.

Luxmore, an infantryman, had been in the Army for 14 months and is survived by his wife and step-son. This was Luxmore’s first deployment. Luxmore is posthumously promoted to corporal, awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge.

The 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, consisting of about 700 Soldiers, is conducting counter-insurgency operations and training Afghanistan National Security Forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The commanding general and the 3rd Infantry Division express their deepest condolences to the family members of Luxmore. Chaplain support and family assistance have been extended to the soldier’s family during this time.