Maj. Stephen Mark Badger, a 37-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, was tragically killed on October 27, 1995, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was an intelligence officer with the elite 82nd Airborne Division, having joined the Army after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and graduating from Brigham Young University. Maj. Badger was known for his love of climbing mountains, rappelling, and playing the guitar.
The incident occurred early in the morning when Maj. Badger and 1,300 other Army paratroopers were preparing for a four-mile run. Suddenly, sniper fire erupted, cutting short Maj. Badger's dreams and those of his fellow soldiers. Maj. Badger was killed, and 18 other soldiers were wounded. The shooting took place at Towle Stadium, a common area for morning calisthenics for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Army investigators quickly identified a suspect, Sgt. William J. Kreutzer, a 26-year-old soldier from Company A, 4th Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Kreutzer, who was from Washington, D.C., was arrested and questioned by authorities. Although he had not been charged by the evening of the incident, the investigation continued.
In the aftermath, it was revealed that Kreutzer had a history of psychological issues and had been referred to as "Crazy Kreutzer" by his fellow soldiers. Despite his mental health struggles, Kreutzer opened fire on his comrades, claiming that God had told him to do so. The military jury later convicted Kreutzer of premeditated murder and 18 counts of attempted murder, sentencing him to death.
The tragic death of Maj. Stephen Mark Badger left a profound impact on his family and the Fort Bragg community. His wife, Diane Badger, and their blended family of eight children struggled to come to terms with the loss. Diane Badger expressed her faith and determination to get through the difficult time, acknowledging the dangers soldiers face daily.
Maj. Badger's legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he had on his family and fellow soldiers. His dedication to his country and his passion for life continue to be remembered by those who knew him best.
