A Ladysmith man who died in action in Afghanistan two years ago will receive the Silver Star

Staff Sergeant Patrick L. Lybert was killed in June of 2006. He and another soldier died during combat operations when they encountered enemy forces.

In a letter to Lybert's family, the military says Lybert’s "professionalism and ability to accomplish the mission set him apart from his peers"

The Silver Star will be awarded to Lybert’s family during a ceremony on April 2 in Ladysmith.