KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Sgt. Marc Harper, top marksman in Alpha Company, was killed three days ago by enemy fire during a gunfight in southern Afghanistan, the Army has announced.

Witnesses report that although Harper expended his entire combat load of 210 rounds, he was unable to hit the enemy fighters who engaged him while moving just beyond 300 meters and moving slightly from side to side.

“I’m just in absolute shock,” said Pvt. Maurice Kennedy. “[Harper] was the best shot in the company. He was always chosen by the commander to lead pre-marksmanship instruction for the new soldiers.”