Guardsman Joseph A. Ford, killed in Iraq, was fascinated with history

Guardsman Joseph A. Ford, killed in Iraq, was fascinated with history

Mythology is among the subjects that interested Hoosier killed in Iraq

By Will Higgins
Posted: May 15, 2008

Combat fascinated Joseph A. Ford, as it does a lot of young men. He was drawn to Greek and Roman mythology, the study of medieval battle tactics, the stories of King Arthur.

After joining the Indiana National Guard shortly after high school in 2003, he was quickly recognized as an intellectual. "He carried a book with him a lot," said Lt. Josh Chastain, with the Indiana National Guard's 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry. "He was smart."

Ford, 23, died Saturday in Iraq of injuries suffered when the vehicle he was riding in rolled over. The Defense Department released no details of the accident, which is under investigation.

He had deployed to Iraq with more than 3,000 members of the Indiana Guard's 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. A memorial service was held for him this week in Iraq.

Ford's body is expected to arrive in Evansville this week. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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