A Special Forces officer from Pinehurst died in combat Friday as a result of injuries sustained during an incident in Afghanistan.

Capt. David J. Thompson, 39, died in the Wardak province while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Army said in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Emily, and their two daughters, Isabelle and Abigail. His parents, Charles and Freida Thompson, live in Hinton, Okla.

The two girls attend Episcopal Day School in Southern Pines, where a private memorial service took place Tuesday morning. Friends say he will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Dates of services have not been announced, but it is usual for there to be a service at the Special Forces Chapel at Fort Bragg.

Another soldier, Spc. Marc P. Decoteu, 19, also died in the incident, which is still under investigation, the Army said.

Thompson commanded Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3334, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). He had held that position since January 2009.

This was Thompson's second deployment to Afghanistan, according to the Army. He also served in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti as well as multiple state humanitarian assistance deployments with the North Carolina National Guard.

Thompson enlisted in 1989 and took his basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He then went on to do advanced training as a radio operator. Early in his career, he served as a radio telephone operator and team chief with a Ranger regiment, then as a communications sergeant in the regiment.

He was a rifle squad leader and platoon sergeant in Alaska with 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment and later as a staff noncommissioned officer with the Command Operations Center, U.S. Army Alaska.

In May 2002, Thompson completed a bachelor's degree in chemistry from East Carolina University while serving with the 514th Military Police Company (North Carolina Army National Guard). He was commissioned as a chemical officer after graduation.

Following his officer basic course, he was assigned to 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., as the division chemical logistics officer. In March 2003, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment and served as a battle captain and rifle platoon leader during Operation Enduring Freedom.

From June 2004 to November 2005, he served as the battalion adjutant and rear detachment commander. From August 2008 to December 2008, he served as executive officer for Company C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and held that position until taking command of ODA 3334 in January 2009.

Thompson's military education included the U.S. Army Airborne School, Ranger school, free fall parachutist course, basic military mountaineering course and the chemical officer basic course.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, Army Commendation Medal (four), Army Achievement Medal (three), Army Good Conduct Medal (three), National Defense Service Medal (two), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge (Basic), and Ranger Tab.

Contact John Chappell at (910) 783-5841 or by e-mail at jchappell@thepilot.com.