David R. Bernstein, formerly of Phoenixville, PA, was killed in Taza, Iraq, when enemy forces ambushed his patrol using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire, according to information provided by the Department of Defense.

Bernstein was a first lieutenant in the Army’s 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade, assigned to Camp Ederle, Italy.

Often referred to as Europe’s 911 squad, the battalion is famous for its quick reactions, most often carried out by parachuting into war zones. Bernstein was dropped into northern Iraq at the beginning of the war and had remained there since, according to his father, Richard Bernstein.

"He was an exceptional man and a wonderful person," his father said. "And he will be missed terribly."

David Bernstein was the valedictorian at Phoenixville in 1997. He graduated fifth in his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point four years later, his father said.

"He felt very indebted to this country for what it has done for him, and for everyone," his father said. "He wanted to serve his country, and he did."

Bernstein attended Phoenixville his junior and senior years after he and his parents, Richard and Gail, moved to the area from Austin, Texas.

His parents have since moved to Knoxville, Tenn.

While attending Phoenixville, Bernstein played football and excelled on the swim team. He chose the military as a career and never looked back, according to his father.

"It was a decision he made, and we respected it," he said.

Bernstein last spoke to his family a week ago on the telephone. He was in good spirits, even though there was someplace else he would rather be.

"He would rather have been home," his father said. "But he was doing his job. First, he was over there to win the war; now they are busy trying to help rebuild Iraq."

American soldiers continue to be attacked every day in Iraq.

An American paratrooper was killed Monday in Fallujah, and six others were wounded during a clash with small pockets of Iraqi resistance fighters, the U.S. command reported. Two civilians were also killed.

The latest U.S. deaths brought to 104 the number of Americans killed by hostile fire since President Bush declared an end to major combat May 1. Since the March 20 invasion of Iraq, 338 Americans have died, 218 of them in combat.

The persistent attacks make every day that much more difficult for the families of soldiers now serving in Iraq.

"It’s not so much frustrating as it is a great concern I feel for all the men and women that are still over there," Richard Bernstein said.

BEDFORD, MA -- Army Pfc. John Hart, 20, was killed in ambush Saturday night in Iraq. He is the son of Brian and Alma Hart of Bedford.

Hart grew up in Bedford and attended Bedford High School where he played lacrosse and was a member of the rifle team and Jr. ROTC.

"He liked to be with a big group of friends, and the group liked him," said his 16 year-old sister, Rebecca. Hart's other sister, Elizabeth, is 13. "He was a good big brother."

Hart's father, Brian, said they talked to him just last week, and he sounded concerned about recent activity in his area.

He felt their Humvees needed more armor, for example. Also, their living conditions were not good. Brian Hart said his son didn't have the right body armor, and the soldiers were given winter desert fatigues because the Army didn't have enough summer fatigues.

Hart's patrol, part of the Fourth Infantry Division, was hit with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire in a town called Taza, near the northern city of Kirkuk.

"He had been in combat at least three times since he'd been there," Hart's father said. "He went into harm's way knowing the consequences."

Hart's lieutenant was killed with him in the string of attacks that night.

Hart's mother said being in the Army suited Hart's personality.

"He was always a leader," she said. "I tried to talk him out of it. I think he genuinely wanted to serve his country."

Hart turned 20 on Sept. 18, the exact day he enlisted one year ago. He had been in Iraq for only a few months.

"John was always one of those outgoing children," Hart's mother said. "When he was little and we went out, I made him wear a red shirt so we could spot him -- he would want to run off, play with other kids."

Adam Lauziere, 19, was a friend and classmate of Hart. They were in Jr. ROTC together since their sophomore year.

"It made him happy," he said. "The only thing he ever talked about was being a ranger."

Rebecca said her brother was a very caring person. Once, she said, he rescued a limping skunk from the side of the road. As a result, he and his friends had to get rabies shots.

Neighbor Doug Townsend, who has been helping the Harts since Sunday, said his daughter rode the school bus with Hart. He was a good friend, he said -- like a brother to his daughter.

Last spring, soon after John was deployed, Brian Hart publicly declared his disdain for the "Speak Out for Peace" sign that was put up on the First Parish Church by parishioners. He claimed the sign disrespected those who are fighting for our country by suggesting that peace is the answer to the problem.

He saw the sign on his way to pick up his son from the airport in March, the last time he came home. The Rev. John Gibbons said the church did not mean disrespect for those serving; they simply wanted to uphold the idea of peace.

The church agreed, however, to take the sign down after two weeks.

Now, the Harts are friends with Gibbons, as the reverend shows them support during this hard time.

The Harts held a press conference yesterday afternoon at their home. Friends and neighbors dropped by all day, and the phone was active. One family friend dropped by after shopping for some food for the Harts; she said Stop & Shop had heard what happened, and the store donated food to the family.

Hart was part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. His father believes his son's patrol helped prevent a civil war in Iraq. Hart's parents said the Army also increased Hart's confidence, that it was good for him.

"I cried when he left," Hart's mother said. "He called me the next morning and said, 'I'm sorry I made you cry.'"

Maj. Dennis Saucier is the Base Chaplain at Hanscom Air Force Base, and Hart's father said he was a friend of his son. Through Saucier, Brian Hart was able to learn that John's body is in Germany right now. Hart is eligible to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, and that is where his family decided he should rest. Preparations for the funeral will be made in the next few weeks.

Last weekend, the Harts sold their house and will move to the Chicago area.

The Harts want to donate a bench or other memorial to their son and place it near the high school. Hart was one of the students in the Jr. ROTC who took part in the honor guard at the unveiling of Memorial Park in Bedford.

Brian Hart's opinion of the war has not changed since his son's death.

"It is cruel fate that someone so good and so loved would perish, and truly evil people continue to perpetuate fear and destruction," he said. "There may be a smarter plan than this, but I don't know what it is."

There may be a local memorial service for Hart this weekend, but there are no details yet. His friends are planning a candlelight vigil in Bedford this week.