N.C. solider dies in Iraq

A soldier with ties to North Carolina died Saturday from injuries sustained in a bombing while overseas supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fort Bragg officials said Monday.

Spc. Roberto Causor Jr., 21, of San Jose, Calif., was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated in Samarra, Iraq, near his patrol.

Causor was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne division at Fort Bragg.

Causor, an automatic rifleman, joined the Army in 2004. He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training in November 2004 and the Basic Airborne Course a month later at Fort Benning, Ga. He was assigned to his unit in February 2005 as a grenadier.

"It is an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve alongside Spc. Roberto Causor,” said Cpt. Buddy Ferris, commander of C Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. “Causor epitomized the words courage, selfless service and honor. He was a paratrooper that represented all that is great about America.”

Causor’s decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

He is survived by his father, Roberto Causor Sr., and his mother, Maria R. Causor, both of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

His unit will hold a memorial service in Iraq Thursday.