MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The family of a U.S. Special Forces Commander are mourning the loss of their loved one after he died earlier this week in the service of his country.

Twenty-eight year old Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, who once lived in South Miami, and 26-year old staff Sgt. Rex Schad from Oklahoma died Monday after they came under attack in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense said Pedersen-Keel was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Pedersen-Keel’s father Henry said this was his son’s second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In his military career, Pedersen-Keel received a number of awards including two Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Pedersen-Keel is survived by his parents and sister.