Half-Staff Missouri Flags – Billy Joe Siercks
American Flags and Missouri Flags to fly at half-staff Thursday, Noveber 10th in the state of Missouri in honor of US Army First Sergeant Billy Joe Siercks.
According to the office of the governor:
First Sergeant Siercks was a soldier in the U.S. Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He died on Oct. 1 of wounds he sustained on Sept. 27, 2011, when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire in Afghanistan.
In addition to the flags statewide, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in Benton County be flown at half-staff from Nov. 12 to Nov. 17.
First Sergeant Siercks was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal With Combat Distinguishing Device “V”, Bronze Star Medal (2 awards), Purple Heart (2 awards), Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), Army Achievement Medal (3 awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal With Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal With Bronze Service Star (2 awards), Iraq Campaign Medal With Bronze Service Star (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (3 awards), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3 awards), NATO Medal (2 awards), Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), and the Overseas Service Bar (5 awards).