ST. LOUIS – A De Smet graduate is one of four Americans killed in an explosion while conducting a patrol in Syria earlier this week.
Scott Wirtz, of St. Louis was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency as an operations support specialist. He graduated from De Smet in 1995.
Statement from De Smet
The De Smet Jesuit community mourns the loss of alumnus Scott Wirtz, a 1995 graduate who was among the Americans killed during a terrorist attack in Syria. We will be forever grateful for his distinguished service to our country and we offer our prayers and support to his family, friends, and classmates.
Wirtz died on Jan. 16 in Manbij, Syria, as a result of wounds sustained from a suicide improvised explosive device, according to the Department of Defense.
Statement from Gov. Parson
Today, we honor a fellow Missourian who was killed while serving our nation.
Scott died bravely serving our nation in Operation Inherent Resolve as a civilian member of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
We ask all Missourians to join in prayer for his family and our other brave men and women that are serving our country.
Statement from Josh Hawley
“With heavy hearts, my wife Erin and I extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Scott Wirtz and the St. Louis community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. As we honor Scott’s life and memory, may we never forget his courage and exemplary service to our nation.”