On 1 June 2010, GEN Keith B. Alexander, USA, Director, National Security Agency/ Chief, Central Security Service, paid special tribute to SGT James D. Pirtle and SPC Ryan C. King at a Memorial Ceremony. The service was attended by family, friends, and distinguished guests.
SGT James D. Pirtle, USA, a Signals Intelligence Analyst assigned to B Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division made the ultimate sacrifice on 1 May 2009 while performing a cryptologic mission in Afghanistan.
SPC Ryan C. King, USA, a CGS Operator assigned to B Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division made the ultimate sacrifice on 1 May 2009 while performing a cryptologic mission in Afghanistan.
The ceremony included a traditional wreath laying and the unveiling of the names "SGT James D. Pirtle" and "SPC Ryan C. King" on the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Memorial Wall. The wall, dedicated in 1996, lists the names of 161 Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and civilian cryptologists who have made the ultimate sacrifice, "serving in silence," in the performance of their duties since World War II.
Additional information on the Memorial Wall and a special historical monograph highlighting SGT Pirtle's and SPC King's lives, service, and sacrifice can be viewed via the NSA/CSS web site at /about/cryptologic-heritage/cryptologic-memorial/.
NOTE: Media outlets interested in receiving photographs from the ceremony or additional information should contact the NSA Public and Media Affairs Office via phone at 301-688-6524 or via email at nsapao@nsa.gov.