Malden soldier dies in Afghanistan

Little is known at this time regarding the incident that claimed the life of a Malden soldier deployed to Afghanistan less than a year ago.

In a press release issued by the Fort Drum, N.Y., Public Affairs Office, the Department of Defense announced on Friday that Spc. Robert K. Charlton, 22, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident that occurred on Oct. 23 in Wardak, Afghanistan.

According to Charlton's uncle, Jim McMillian of Malden, an Army sergeant contacted Charlton's mother on Friday. His body will be flown directly into the Malden airport since the landing area there is large enough to handle an Army transport plane, said McMillian. As of press time, the arrival date has not been determined. His body was flown from Germany to Dover, Del., where it remains at this time. Landess Funeral Home of Malden will be in charge of arrangements.

Spc. Robert K. Charlton [Click to enlarge]

Charlton was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (light infantry) out of Fort Drum. He deployed in January of this year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was Charlton's first deployment.

Spc. Charlton joined the Army in July, 2007, and arrived at Fort Drum in November of the same year.

According to the report from Fort Drum, the young soldier had already earned several decorations and awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.

The circumstances surrounding the non-combat related incident remain under investigation.

Spc. Charlton is survived by his mother and father, whose names have not been released.

Further details will be published as they become available.