United States Army 3rd Platoon, Ghostrider Company, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, out of Vilseck, Germany Infantry Platoon Leader: 1LT Daren Hidalgo (USMA 2009) was killed in action on February 20th 2011, in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province after insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Serving his first deployment in Afghanistan, as a platoon commander in a Stryker Calvary Regiment, Daren was wounded in an IED attack two weeks before but refused to leave his soldiers to seek treatment for shrapnel wounds to his thigh. Darren was at that time, the 81st West Point graduate to be killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Daren’s greatest talent was his ability to maintain a positive attitude and inspired each of his Soldiers to be great. Daren was known for his winning smile and engaging personality. A jokester and prankster always looking to cheer up people around him. His strength of character and empathy endeared him to all who met him.