Fort Bragg soldier who died during PT has been identified

A Fort Bragg soldier has died while conducting physical training, adding yet another tally to the rising number of troops killed or maimed performing stateside and non-combat duties this year.

29-year-old Georgia native Sergeant Robert Thornton Jr. -a power generation equipment repairer for the 528th Sustainment Brigade’s 112th Signal Battalion- is reported to have collapsed and succumbed while performing physical training on Tuesday.

The 527th is part of the 1st Special Forces Command support network at the North Carolina Army post, with Thornton being a unit member since the beginning of this year.

“We mourn the loss of this dedicated soldier and our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Lt. Col. Shaw Pick, the soldier’s battalion commander. “He was a member of our team, and his life was spent in service to his family, his friends, and his country.”

Thornton was married with two children.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, Thornton enlisted in 2012 and had previously served at Georgia’s Fort Benning and Yongsan Garrison, South Korea.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

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