Kristofor Tif Stonesifer
Army PFC
From: Missoula, Missoula County
Date of Death: 10/19/2001
Conflict: Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan
Private First Class Kristofor Tif Stonesifer, known as “Kris” to those close to him, was a dedicated U.S. Army Ranger who gave his life in the opening days of America’s response to the September 11 attacks. From Missoula, Montana, Kris was a philosophy graduate from the University of Delaware and the University of Montana. He completed rigorous Special Forces assessment and Army Ranger training before joining Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia.
On October 19, 2001, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the Black Hawk helicopter carrying Kris and fellow Ranger Spc. Jonn Edmunds crashed in Pakistan during a mission. They became the first two U.S. combat casualties of the Global War on Terror. Kris was 28 years old.
In recognition of his valor and commitment, he was posthumously promoted to Specialist and awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. His ashes were scattered at Upper Holland Lake near Missoula on August 20, 2002—a place meaningful to his family—and a memorial headstone honors him at Arlington National Cemetery.
Kris’s mother, Ruth, shared that he was where he wanted to be—serving with purpose among brothers-in-arms who valued his friendship, truth-seeking spirit, and quiet determination. We remember him not just for the sacrifice he made, but for the life he lived with courage and conviction. Montana and the nation remain forever grateful for his service.
