Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2009 Private Jason Williams, from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan. His platoon was just east of Gereshk in Helmand province, securing the site of an attack which had occurred earlier that day during which three ANA Warriors were killed; one of the three ANA dead could not be found and Private Williams’ platoon was securing the area in order to prevent insurgents seizing his corpse. During this security operation Private Williams was killed by an IED. Lt Col Simon Banton said Afghan soldiers now called him a hero for his "selfless sacrifice. On the day he died, Jason was taking part in an action which adhered to every soldier's oldest code - leave no man behind. He will be remembered by the Mercian Regiment with honour and by his mates for his irrepressible smile.” He is remembered as being an outstanding soldier who gave 100% in everything that he did, as well as brave, cheerful and popular, a constant source of morale and a “shining star with a bright future.” One of his friends recalls what Private Williams wrote on one of the FOB Keenan sangar walls: "A man is not finished when he is defeated. A man is finished when he quits!" Jason, from Worcester, was 23 years old.