Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw, R.I.P.

JACKSON, Miss. -- Natchez native Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw, 37, died after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device Sept. 29, 2009 on Jolo Island, Philippines, according to the U.S. Army Special Forces Command.

Shaw, 37, was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Lewis, Wash. and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines. This was his second deployment to the Philippines, officials said.

Shaw was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Shaw is survived by his wife Attina and their children Darian Shaw, Erielle Smith, Jalyn Smith, Dante Shaw and Cydney Shaw of Fort Lewis, Wash. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather Camille and Willie Felton of Chicago, Ill.; his father Walter Owens of Port Wentworth, Ga.; two brothers, Orlando Shaw of Chicago, Ill. and Maurey Owens of Jackson, Miss.; and two sisters Kenya Shaw of Chicago, Ill. and Gwen Owens of Atlanta, Ga.