Posted on 06/30/2005 11:54:26 AM PDT by West Coast Conservative
The U.S. military confirmed Thursday that all 16 servicemembers aboard a special forces helicopter died when it crashed into a mountain ravine earlier this week, apparently after being shot down.
The remains of those killed were being recovered at the site in eastern Afghanistan where the MH-47 chopper went down Tuesday. The helicopter crashed while ferrying reinforcements to a battle against the insurgents, the military said in a statement.
The military reported earlier that 17 people were on board but revised that figure to 16 later Thursday.
"At this point, we have recovered all 16 bodies of those service men who were onboard the MH-47 helicopter that crashed on Tuesday," Lt. Gen. James Conway, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter.
On Wednesday, U.S. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace said investigators believed the helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, but they were "not 100 percent sure."
RIP
Sad Day.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1433878/posts
God bless our fallen heroes.
pong
G-d damned helos.
Oh man,
A former co-worker's SIL was in that group.
RIP and prayers.
Days like this...I wish I wasn't flying a "desk".
Get the ole lump in the throat feeling every time I read one of these threads.
These guys are all in harms way, in a position to die for "our" security...wish I was there with'em (Eventhough I'd be scared as hell)
They're easy words to type...but days like today, I'm pretty serious.
PRAYERS FOR FAMILY!
REST NOW BROTHERS!
These guys are all in harms way, in a position to die for "our" security...wish I was there with'em (Eventhough I'd be scared as hell)
They're easy words to type...but days like today, I'm pretty serious.
Understand completely - Every soldier is glad to have American's like you back here supporting them.
My prayers of comfort go out to the families of these American Heroes!
Any STA Missiles spotted. How come these guys were not receiving some cover??" So it's Tommy this and Tommy That, and Tommy how's your Soul?"" But the lines begin to thin out when the drums begin to roll""
So sorry to hear this. The son in law of our city's mayor was on board. God Bless the families.
RIP to Heroes.
OTOH: How many Talibunnies died? I like a 10:1 ratio if possible.
They possibly where? - However this crash took place in some very brutal terrain which does not lend itself for putting down cover fire very well - (Crash happened around 10,000ft) - I am sure this altitude and the terrain played a large role in the MH47 not surviving the RPG round (without finding a safe LZ).
These guys were going in to help another US SOF unit (units) that were on the ground engaged -
Several Navy Seals on board. What a waste!
My condolences to the families of these brave warriors.
This sounds like a double ambush. They hit the original team and were waiting for the QRF. Shades of Operation Anaconda.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
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