Oregon Public Broadcasting

Escalating violence in Afghanistan has claimed an Oregon man who served with distinction in Army Special Forces.

Portland native Danial Adams joined the Army when he was 19. Rising through the ranks, he soldiered with some elite company. After becoming a Green Beret, he attained the rank of Master Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 10th special forces group Airborne, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

Lt. Col. Steve Osterholzer is a spokesman for the 10th Special Forces. He confirmed Adams was killed in a heavy firefight in Central Afghanistan on Tuesday. It was his first deployment to that country. Still, Osterholzer calls Adams both highly decorated and experienced.

"He'd gone through every single school a Special Forces soldier could go through. He was a exceptional Green Beret. That he was the leader of his team is evidence of his character," Osterholzer said.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Related links:

Freedom Remembered:

http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/sgt-1st-class-danial-r-adams/

Stripes.com

http://www.stripes.com/news/army/special-forces-soldier-dies-in-afghanistan-1.155148