Christie Orders Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Jersey City Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Jersey City is preparing to honor a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.
Army Pfc. LeRoy DeRonde III was born and raised in Jersey City. The 22-year-old was one of two soldiers killed when their unit was attacked on May 27 in the Chak-E Wardak District.
DeRonde had joined the Army in 2011 to help support his family after his mother died. Relatives said he became a model soldier and was promoted right after graduating from basic training.
On Wednesday, Gov. Chris Christie issued an executive order that flags be flown at half-staff on Friday in honor of DeRonde.
A viewing will take place at the McLaughlin Funeral Home in Jersey City on Thursday and Friday night.
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
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