This Combat Photographer Kept Snapping Until Her Last Moment

Four years ago, Army Spc. Hilda Clayton, a visual information specialist, was snapping photos moments before a live-fire training accident took her life and the lives of four Afghan soldiers in the eastern Afghan area of Qaraghahi.

Taken on July 2, 2013, the photos — published in the May and June edition of the Army’s Military Review journal — show the moment a mortar tube exploded, revealing that Clayton continued to document her surroundings until the very last moment.

“Clayton’s death symbolizes how female soldiers are increasingly exposed to hazardous situations in training and in combat on par with their male counterparts,” the journal reads.

But more than that, the photos show that she died in the line of duty, fulfilling her mission.

A mortar tube accidentally explodes during an Afghan National Army live-fire training exercise in Laghman province, Afghanistan, July 2, 2013.Army photo by Spc. Hilda Clayton

The blast killed Army Spc. Hilda Clayton, who photographed this image, and four Afghan soldiers.Army photo by Spc. Hilda Clayton

Navy fires commander of E-2 Hawkeye squadron for “loss of confidence” Navy fires commander of E-2 Hawkeye squadron for “loss of confidence”

The complacent soldier’s best friend: The many uses of 550 cord The complacent soldier’s best friend: The many uses of 550 cord

This combat photographer kept snapping until her last moment This combat photographer kept snapping until her last moment

8 years after my last deployment, I returned to Afghanistan — here’s what I found 8 years after my last deployment, I returned to Afghanistan — here’s what I found

6 Women Who Fought In Direct Combat In Iraq And Afghanistan 6 Women Who Fought In Direct Combat In Iraq And Afghanistan

A US Senator who lost her legs in combat is being attacked for using a veterans’ tax benefit A US Senator who lost her legs in combat is being attacked for using a veterans’ tax benefit

He never thought he’d make it out of Iraq alive. Now, he’s the Army’s top enlisted leader He never thought he’d make it out of Iraq alive. Now, he’s the Army’s top enlisted leader

3M settled its combat earplug lawsuit for $6 billion – but don’t get too excited 3M settled its combat earplug lawsuit for $6 billion – but don’t get too excited

It’s Time To Expand VA Support To All Military Caregivers It’s Time To Expand VA Support To All Military Caregivers

This Running Back-Turned-Soldier Is Trying To Return To Football This Running Back-Turned-Soldier Is Trying To Return To Football

I Never Saw Combat As A Marine In Afghanistan, And I’m Okay With That I Never Saw Combat As A Marine In Afghanistan, And I’m Okay With That

Sleep Disorders Among Troops Are More Damaging Than We Realize Sleep Disorders Among Troops Are More Damaging Than We Realize

An Afghan interpreter who became an American soldier has one final mission: Saving his family An Afghan interpreter who became an American soldier has one final mission: Saving his family

What it’s like to spend Christmas in combat, according to US military veterans What it’s like to spend Christmas in combat, according to US military veterans

As the world moves on, veterans of the Afghanistan withdrawal struggle to join them As the world moves on, veterans of the Afghanistan withdrawal struggle to join them

All alone, together: The emotional essence of Christmas at war All alone, together: The emotional essence of Christmas at war

Remembering the lost troops of Operation Eagle Claw, the failed Iranian embassy hostage rescue mission Remembering the lost troops of Operation Eagle Claw, the failed Iranian embassy hostage rescue mission

World Record-Setting Marine Spills On How To Crush PFT Pull-Ups World Record-Setting Marine Spills On How To Crush PFT Pull-Ups

Share