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SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah soldier injured on the battlefield discovered that he had cancer when he underwent surgery. The cancer eventually turned fatal, and his body was shipped home Wednesday night.
Landon Henscheid, 23, was a medic with the 405th Army Reserves. He served two tours in Afghanistan. During a night mission, Henscheid's parents said he fell down a mountain and became paralyzed.
Henscheid was transported to Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland where he underwent multiple surgeries. During a surgery to compress his spine, doctors discovered cancer. Landon was in the hospital for 18 months as eight different teams worked to heal him.
On December 7, Landon died. His parents say he never gave up. They was described him as having an odd sense of humor, being very brave, and a little rough around the edges, but very loving once you got to know him.
"When his body was done, your mission is complete," said his father, Don Henscheid.
Landon's parents said he always wanted to serve. He was inspired by his brother who toured in Iraq.
A funeral for Landon will be held Friday in Alpine.
