Fort Gibson soldier killed in Iraq

An Oklahoma Soldier is among the latest casualties of war. Officials say Sergeant Erick Petty died a hero when he gave his life to save troops under his command. <br/><br/>His wife called her mother

Wednesday, May 5th 2004, 5:35 am

By: News On 6

An Oklahoma Soldier is among the latest casualties of war. Officials say Sergeant Erick Petty died a hero when he gave his life to save troops under his command.

His wife called her mother in Fort Gibson in tears, saying her husband was dead. Petty had been in Iraq for one year and died when his unit was ambushed near Baghdad. Officials say during the attack Petty ordered his men inside their vehicles, and waited to find cover until all his men were safe. But Petty was shot and killed.

Jerry Langton, Petty's mother-in-law: "He always, he took care of his troops he was with. He cared for them. And I know that if this had to happen again, he'd do the very same thing. He's just a good young man. He just made our family complete."

The Petty's were married for ten years and have a nine year old son.