Crash kills Brockton native in Iraq

Even as a young child growing up in Brockton, patriotism surged through Donald E. Fisher II.

''We're talking about a kid who, as a kid, cried because someone stole the flag off our flagpole," Donald Fisher of Tacoma, Wash., said of his son. ''He was very committed."

Fisher, an Army corporal, died Friday in Kirkuk, Iraq, when his convoy vehicle was involved in an accident, according to the US Defense Department. Also killed was Private First Class Antonio Mendezsanchez, 22, of Rincon, Puerto Rico. Both soldiers were assigned to the 40th Transportation Company, 44th Corps Support Battalion, 593d Corps Support Group based in Fort Lewis, Wash.

Fisher graduated from Brockton High School and soon after joined the Army. His second tour in Iraq was scheduled to end Dec. 15, but Fisher had reenlisted last month for another six years.

Fisher's family is from Brockton and briefly lived in Avon before moving to the West Coast. Fisher has one brother and four sisters. His father is a disabled Army veteran.

''He was calm, even-keeled," said Donald Fisher. ''No matter how bad a situation was, he could put a smile on your face."

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.