Soldier from North Adams killed in Afghanistan

By Jeff Fish, Globe Correspondent

A 20-year-old North Adams native died near Panjwai, Afghanistan on Thursday of wounds sustained from an explosive device, U.S. Army officials said.

Private first class Michael R. Demarsico II joined the Army in February 2011 and received basic training in Fort Benning, Ga, before arriving at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a combined Army and Air Force base, according to a statement from the base.

He was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2011, his first deployment, said the statement.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism and Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

“On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Pfc. Demarsico,” the statement said.