John Douangdara was born on December 29, 1984, in Sioux City, Iowa, graduated from South Sioux City Senior High in the class of 2003, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 2003. His awards included the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star with "V" Device, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (2), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Overseas Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Rifle Marksmanship Medal, and Pistol Marksmanship Medal. He was killed in action on August 6, 2011, in Tangi, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, alongside Bart, a military work dog, and 29 fellow soldiers.