Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant (Photo courtesy: US Army) ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The U.S. Army on Thursday identified the soldier who died this week of injuries sustained during a bear attack in a military training area in Alaska.The Army in a statement said Staff Sgt.
Seth Michael Plant, 30, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Anchorage following the mauling Tuesday.Plant was from Saint Augustine, Florida, and had been at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson since July 2021, the Army said in a statement.
He was an infantryman from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment.Military officials said Plant joined the Army in 2015 after a stint in the reserves, and had served at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina prior to coming to Alaska.Lt.
Col. David J. Nelson, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment commander, said Plant "always had a smile on his face, he always went above and beyond what was asked of him, and he served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him."RELATED: US Army soldier dies after bear attack injuries in AlaskaPlant was a highly decorated soldier, with awards including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Parachutist Badge."Staff Sgt.