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Flags at all Missouri state buildings will be flying at half-staff Tuesday.

Governor Jay Nixon made the order to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Army Specialist Bradley Louis Melton during Operation Eduring Freedom.

29 year-old Melton, of Rolla, was killed May 16th after insurgents in Afghanistan attacked his unit with an improvised exploding device. Melton was part of the Brigade Troops Battalion, 1st Striker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.

His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal, along with many others.

"Specialist Melton served our country with bravery and dedication as a soldier in the United States Army, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags," Gov. Nixon said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him."

Flags will stay at half-staff all day across Missouri. The governor also ordered that they stay half-mast until June 6th in Phelps County.