Fayetteville Observer -- The son of Brig. Gen. James Cerrone, special assistant to the commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, was killed Sunday in Iraq.

First Lt. Michael A. Cerrone was on patrol near Samarra, Iraq, when his humvee was struck by a car bomb. Spc. Harry A. Winkler was also killed in the blast.

Two other soldiers were wounded and were transported to a hospital in Iraq. There was no word on the paratrooper’s condition.

Cerrone and Winkler were assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

“First Lieutenant Michael Cerrone is a shining example of gallant leadership. He has contributed so much to the readiness of this battalion and the security of our nation. He will forever be a distinguished member of this battalion,” said Lt. Col. Viet Luong, commander, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in a statement.

Luong called Winkler an inspiration to the unit.

“He was bright, mature, and optimistic. His platoon will miss his humor and superb leadership,” Luong said.

Both paratroopers deployed with the unit in August. The 3,500-paratrooper brigade — built around the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment — replaced the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team in the Province of Salah ad Din.

Cerrone, 24, graduated from E.E. Smith High School in 2000 and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2004.

In October 2005, he was assigned to the 82nd.

“First Lieutenant Cerrone was a fearless, aggressive, and decisive platoon leader,” said Capt. James Uptgraft, commander of Company A, in statement. “He possessed all of the qualities that a company commander hopes for in a young platoon leader. I am proud and humbled to have served with him.”

Cerrone’s men said in written statements of remembrance that he put their safety and welfare first. He lead from the front and all of the paratroopers would “unquestionably” follow him into battle.

His platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald H. Berryhill, said Cerrone was more than a leader, but a friend and “little brother.”

He remembers the first day Cerrone got to the unit. At the time, he was shy and quiet. But after a few months, he became more outspoken.

“I am truly blessed to have known him and to serve under his leadership,” Berryhill wrote. “He will never be forgotten. I will carry him with me always and I will always watch over his platoon. We will make him proud of his boys.”

Cerrone is survived by his father; mother, Elizabeth, and brother, James.

The family declined to be interviewed.

Winkler, 32 from Jacksonville, Fla., was known as “Winky” around the unit.

He enlisted in 2002 and served with the 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) until 2005 when he was assigned to the 82nd.

“Spc. Winkler was a competent, mature, combat-proven warrior who all of us respected and loved. His loyalty, professionalism, aggressiveness, and leadership will be missed,” Uptgraft said in a statement.

His platoon mates remembered him as one of the best soldiers in the unit and a crack shot. He had a great sense of humor and was the “guy to get things done.” He was also a devoted family man.

“Most of my best memories of Wink are ones of him bragging about how awesome his wife and son were. He was always at his best after he talked to his wife and watched his son on the computer,” Pfc. Daniel T Marsh wrote.

Winkler is survived by his wife, Charity; son, Owen; stepson, Tommy Lytten; and mother, Debbie Copeland-Rivers. Attempts to reach his wife and mother were unsuccessful.

Both paratroopers were awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. A memorial service will be held Thursday in Iraq.