by Brandon Hartman
FORT HOOD - Three Fort Hood soldiers are now reportedly dead after an explosion in Paktia, Afghanistan.
Military officials say Spc. Kurt W. Kern of McAllen, Texas, Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire of Easley, S.C. and Sgt. Noah M. Korte of Lake Elsinore Califoria died on Tuesday from injuries sustained when an explosive device was detonated.
All three were assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade based in Fort Hood in September.
24-year-old Kern had joined the military in September 2009. Kern's awards and decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.
29-year-old Korte had enlisted back in May 2003. Both had been deployed to Afghanistan earlier this month. Korte's awards and decorations included four Army Commendation Medals, two Good Conduct Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medals with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commisioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral two, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Operator and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicles.
20-year-old Whitmire joined the military in September 2010 as a health care specialist and had been in Afghanistan since July. Whitmire's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.