UPDATED: Kennedy Posthumously Receives Bronze Star

Inver Grove Heights native Joseph Kennedy, who died in combat in Afghanistan on Friday, will posthumously receive the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorius achievements or service.

The 25-year-old Simley High School graduate has also been posthumously awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart, according to representatives from Fort Knox, Ky., where Kennedy's unit was based.

In a press release issued this weekend, the U.S. Department of Defense said that Kennedy was killed by small arms fire after his unit was attacked by insurgents in the Ghazni province. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Kennedy graduated from Simley in 2004 and was a member of the Spartans wrestling team, the Pioneer Press reports. Kennedy began his military service in April 2009 and was based at Fort Knox, Ky. This was his first combat tour, according to the press release issued by Fort Knox.

During his service with the military, Kennedy also earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

For statements from the family of Joseph Kennedy, click here.

Correction: In a press release, the U.S. Department of Defense incorrectly stated which province of Afghanistan Kennedy was serving in when he was killed. Kennedy was killed in the Ghazni province of Afghanistan.