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Graham Ragsdale (born 28 June 1969) is a former soldier of the Canadian Forces. He commanded the sniper team from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry attached to the United States Army 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during Operation Anaconda in the Shah-i-Kot Valley, Paktia Province, Afghanistan, in March 2002. He was awarded the United States Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for his actions in combat and was mentioned in dispatches by the Canadian Forces.
He joined the Canadian Forces in 1988 after graduating from secondary school. Ragsdale began his military career with the 2nd Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment before transitioning to the 3rd Battalion PPCLI.
In 1991, after his initial three-year service contract, he chose to be released from the regular force and joined a Canadian Rangers patrol group. At this time he was also pursuing an amateur boxing career with Olympic hopes. He rejoined the regular force in 1996 and was posted to the newly formed 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/themes/defence/caf/militaryhistory/dhh/honours/mention-in-dispatches.pdf
The Mention in Dispatches
A Sniper’s Battle: A Father’s Concern
During this mission, within a few days in March 2002, Ragsdale's five-person unit set new records for the longest combat sniper kills in history. Master Corporal Arron Perry's shot of broke the 34-year-old record set in the Vietnam War by a US Marine, Carlos Hathcock, in 1967; days later, Corporal Rob Furlong's shot of broke Perry's record for longest combat sniper kill. Furlong's record would stand for seven and a half years.
After serving in military, Ragsdale was, , working for Rob Furlong's Marksmanship Academy as an instructor.
Investigation and aftermath
Shortly after Operation Anaconda, allegations surfaced against one of the snipers, Arron Perry, regarding the desecration of an enemy corpse. This led to an investigation by the Canadian military's National Investigation Service (NIS). As the investigation unfolded, Ragsdale was relieved of his command of the sniper unit.
Post-military career
He worked many years as a designated defensive marksman in a counter-sniper role for various private military companies throughout Afghanistan and the Maghreb region of North Africa.
Medals and decorations
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