IC1 Thomas E. Retzer.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Department of Defense has confirmed that Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Thomas E. Retzer (SEAL), 30, was wounded June 25 after his convoy made contact with enemy forces outside of Gardez, Afghanistan. He was transported to Bagram Air Base hospital in Afghanistan, where he died of his wounds June 26.

Retzer, assigned to a Virginia Beach-based SEAL (SEa, Air, Land) Team, was conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Two Special Operations Forces were also wounded in this attack. Their names are being withheld at their request.

A 10-year Navy and SEAL veteran, Retzer is survived by his wife and two sons.

Originally from Southern California, Retzer graduated from Mount Whitney High School, Visalia, Calif. Shortly after enlisting, he entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in San Diego and graduated in 1994, Class 198. His awards and decorations include include Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He also has several other individual awards pending approval.