Soldier Who Died In Fire To Be Buried At Arlington

Published March 8, 2012 9:36AM (EST)

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — A decorated Green Beret who died trying to rescue his two young daughters from their burning home will be honored with a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.

Chief Warrant Officer Edward Cantrell died Tuesday, along with 6-year-old Isabella and 4-year-old Natalia. Authorities say he leapt from the second floor of the burning house, wrapped himself in a blanket and ran back inside for his girls.

Lt. Col. April Olsen of the Army Special Forces Command said Wednesday that Cantrell's daughters may be buried with him, though plans for the military funeral are not yet finalized.

Cantrell served a combat deployment to Iraq and five to Afghanistan, returning from the last mission in August. He earned four Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.


By Salon Staff

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