Late war photographer Hilda Clayton captured her final moments
The blast took place during a training exercise in 2013, killing 22-year-old Specialist Hilda Clayton.
The United States Army has now released the graphic photos, with the consent of Clayton's family.
Three Afghan soldiers, as well as an Afghan photographer, were also killed in the mortar explosion.
It took place during a live-fire training exercise in the eastern Afghan area of Qaraghahi.
Clayton was attached to the 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division before her tragic death.
She was on a mission to certify Afghan soldiers involved in mortar operations during the bloody conflict.