A Mass. special forces soldier was killed in Afghanistan. Here’s what we know.

A 31-year-old, decorated Massachusetts special forces soldier was one of two Green Berets killed in combat Wednesday in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Master Sgt. Luis Deleon-Figueroa.

Master Sgt. Luis F. Deleon-Figueroa, a Chicopee native, and Master Sgt. Jose J. Gonzalez, 35, of La Puente, California, both assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), were killed in the Faryab Province, military officials said Thursday.

“It was an honor having them serve within the ranks of 7th SFG (A). They were a part of our family, and will not be forgotten,” Col. John W. Sannes, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) commander, said in a statement. “Our priority is to now provide the best possible care to the families of our fallen warriors. We ask that you keep their families and teammates in your thoughts and prayers.”

The soldiers were killed by ‘small arms fire,’ according to officials

According to a statement from the Department of Defense, both Deleon-Figueroa and Gonzalez were killed “as a result of wounds sustained from small arms fire while engaged in combat operations.”

“The incident is under investigation,” officials said.

The attack happened as U.S. negotiators were heading to Qatar Wednesday to resume peace talks with the Taliban and develop a final agreement to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops, The Washington Post reports.

The two deaths bring the toll of U.S. service member casualties in Afghanistan this year to 14 — up from last year’s total of 13, according to the newspaper.

Deleon-Figueroa served over 13 years in the Army

Deleon-Figueroa served in the Army for over 13 years and was deployed six times during his career, according to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

He deployed to Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2010 as an infantryman.

In 2014, he was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida after he completed the Special Force Qualification Course, according to a statement from military officials.

Deleon-Figueroa served as a Special Forces communications sergeant and later as an operations and intelligence sergeant.

He was deployed to South America in 2015 and 2018 and to Afghanistan in 2018 and 2019.

According to Special Operations Command, his decorations include:

“the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal with four Knot Device, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral ‘3,’ Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral ‘3,’ NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Parachutist Badge, (and an) Air Assault Badge”

Both Deleon-Figueroa and Gonzalez were posthumously promoted to master sergeant.

Deleon-Figueroa was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal, officials said.

‘A grateful nation mourns his loss’

As news of Deleon-Figueroa’s death reached Massachusetts, politicians and community leaders offered their condolences to his family for the loss of “an American hero.”

“Two soldiers gave their lives for our country yesterday and sadly one of them is a son of Chicopee. As a city, we have great pride in the men and women who have volunteered to serve and protect us, but it is times like these that we appreciate just how courageous and selfless they really are,” Chicopee Mayor Richard J. Kos told MassLive. “Master Sgt. Luis F. Deleon-Figueroa will be honored by our city as one of our heroes and we hope that his family will find comfort knowing that his sacrifice — their sacrifice will always be remembered.”

The city will honor Deleon-Figueroa by flying flags at half-staff starting Friday, Kos said.

“A terrible tragedy for him, his family & us all,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a tweet Friday. “There are thousands of individuals like Luis & his family who volunteer to serve this country in dangerous places all over the world. (Please) keep them all in your thoughts & prayers. RIP MSG Deleon-Figueroa.”

A terrible tragedy for him, his family & us all. There are thousands of individuals like Luis & his family who volunteer to serve this country in dangerous places all over the world. Pls keep them all in your thoughts & prayers. RIP MSG Deleon-Figueroa. https://t.co/F42DrnUkjB

— Charlie Baker (@CharlieBakerMA) August 23, 2019

Former Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette told MassLive local children once sent letters to Deleon-Figueroa’s unit, which, in return, ultimately sent the city a U.S. flag the soldiers flew over their base.

He said he met Deleon-Figueroa when the soldier returned home between tours.

“It saddens me to think another son of Chicopee has been lost,” Bissonnette told the news outlet. “Five times I had the duty to represent our city in offering condolences to wives, children, mothers, and fathers of those lost. Those moments stay with you. His dedication, service and sacrifice will forever be recognized in our community.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, Democratic U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said he is “deeply saddened” by Deleon-Figueroa’s death.

“Master Sergeant Deleon-Figueroa is an American hero who served with honor and distinction,” Neal said. “A grateful nation mourns his loss.”