Highly decorated soldier dies in plane crash in North Carolina, the Army said

A decorated soldier stationed at Fort Liberty died in a serious plane crash in North Carolina over the weekend, the Army confirmed Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jason Campbell, 43, was one of five people killed when a single-engine plane crashed at Wright Brothers National Memorial First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, said Lt. Col. John Twitty, spokesman for Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.

According to the National Park Service, the plane was attempting to land at the airport when it crashed into a nearby wooded area and caught fire. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

Campbell, a Texas native, was assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. He served as program manager for the Civil Affairs Military Government Specialist Program, advising and assisting commanders and civilians in providing governance expertise.

Campbell had approximately 19 years of active service. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and achievements include a Bronze Star, a National Defense Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, two Merit Service Medals and three Army Achievement Medals.