U.S. Soldier Stabbed and Killed by Afghan Teen

The U.S. death toll numbers in Afghanistan rose to 14 in March 2013. Last week the Pentagon announced the death of Sgt. Michael Cable, 26, of Philpot, Ky.

Sgt. Cable died from injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by enemy forces in Shinwar District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

According to Monday's Washington Post report, Cable was playing with a group of children outside when the attacker came from behind and stabbed him in the neck with a large knife.

This is the first combat death of the 101st Airborne’s current deployment to Afghanistan according to their local newspaper, the Examiner.

Cable was a fire support specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell.

He joined the Army in August 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in December 2010.

His awards include one Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), one Purple Heart (posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Cable is survived by his parents, Raymond L. Johnston Sr., and Vickie M. Johnston, both of Philpot, Ky., and his brother, Raymond L. Johnston Jr.