Graham Ragsdale (born 28 June 1969) is a former soldier of the Canadian Forces. He commanded the sniper team from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry attached to the United States Army 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during Operation Anaconda in the Shah-i-kot Valley, Paktia Province, Afghanistan in March 2002. He was awarded the United States Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for his actions in combat and was Mentioned in Despatches by the Canadian Forces.
Graham Ragsdale | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 June 1969 Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service | Canadian Army |
| Years of service | 1988–2003 |
| Rank | Master Corporal |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry |
| Battles / wars | NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Mentioned in Despatches Bronze Star Medal (United States) |
Early life and military career
editGraham Ragsdale was born on 28 June 1969 in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.[citation needed]
He joined the Canadian Forces in 1988 after graduating from secondary school. Ragsdale began his military career with the 2nd Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment before transitioning to the 3rd Battalion PPCLI.[1]
In 1991, after his initial three year service contract, he chose to be released from the regular force and joined the Canadian Rangers Patrol Group.[2] At this time he was also pursuing an amateur boxing career with Olympic hopes. He rejoined the regular force in 1996 and was posted to the newly formed 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.[3]
Afghanistan and Operation Anaconda
editRagsdale was assigned to Canada's involvement in the Afghanistan War, particularly during Operation Anaconda in 2002. As part of the sniper detachment, Ragsdale and his team were embedded with U.S. forces in the Shahikot Valley, a region controlled by Taliban and al-Qaeda forces.[4]
During this mission, Ragsdale's unit including Master Corporal Arron Perry and Corporal Rob Furlong, set records for the longest combat kills during the operation, with Furlong's shot at 2,430 meters becoming the longest confirmed sniper kill at the time.[5]
Investigation and Aftermath
editShortly after Operation Anaconda, allegations surfaced against one of the snipers, Arron Perry, regarding the desecration of an enemy corpse.[6] This led to an investigation by the Canadian military's National Investigation Service (NIS). As the investigation unfolded, Ragsdale was relieved of his command of the sniper unit.[7]
Post-Military Career
editHe worked many years as a DDM (Designated Defensive Marksman) in a counter-sniper role for various private military companies throughout Afghanistan and the Maghreb region of North Africa.[2]
After serving in military, Ragsdale is currently working for Rob Furlong's Marksmanship Academy as an instructor.[8]
Medals and decorations
edit- Sacrifice Medal (replacing the previously awarded Wound Stripe) – Afghanistan
- South-West Asia Service Medal
- Special Service Medal – Rangers and Alert
- Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
- NATO SFOR Medal – Former Yugoslavia
- Bronze Star Medal with "V" device (United States)
- Mentioned in Despatches
- Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation
References
edit- ^ "Veterans". Range Sports. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Master Corporal Graham Ragsdale". The Governor General of Canada.
- ^ https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/themes/defence/caf/militaryhistory/dhh/honours/mention-in-dispatches.pdf The Mention in Dispatches
- ^ https://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/assets/OMBUDSMAN_Internet/docs/en/sniper-final.pdf A Sniper’s Battle: A Father’s Concern
- ^ Friscolanti, Michael. "How a record-breaking Canadian sniper kill shot was almost forgotten". Macleans.
- ^ Miller, Eric. "The 5 Longest Confirmed Sniper Kills in History". CoffeeOrdie.
- ^ "Military ombudsman slams families' treatment". The Globe and Mail. 25 April 2007. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ Popplewell, Betty (28 February 2017). "The Long Shot | The Walrus". Walrus.