The U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday that a soldier who died on Tuesday as a result of injuries suffered during combat in Afghanistan was from Carrollton.

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Z. “Zach” Beale, 32, died as a result of injuries from enemy small-arms fire during combat operations in Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, according to a news release.

Beale was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

“Joshua was a smart, talented and dedicated member of 3rd SFG (A) and the special operations community,” said Col. Nathan Prussian, commander of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). “He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the fortunate opportunity to know him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family for this tragic loss.”

Beale is survived by his wife and two children. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant first class from his previous rank, staff sergeant. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Beale had more than seven years of service in the Army, according to the Army’s press release. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Old Dominion University in 2008. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2011 and attended basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., where he graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School. He graduated in 2013 from the Special Forces Qualification Course.

While assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), he graduated from numerous other Army courses, including the Advanced Leader Course, Special Forces Sniper Course and U.S. Army Ranger School. This was his fourth overseas tour and third tour to Afghanistan.

His other awards and medals included two previous Bronze Star Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge and Combat Infantry Badge.