First Person Account

 I was listed as Killed In Action...

Contributed by Sgt. Troy Dunlap

I was a pathfinder attached to the 2BTN, 229 ANTN, RGMT in the gulf. To make a long story short, myself two other pathfinders, and a flight surgeon (Female), along with a crew of 4 on a UH-60 "Blackhawk" were alerted to perform a search and rescue mission, of a downed F-16 Air Force pilot. Enroute, we were fired at numerous times by friendly ground forces.

We were escorted by two AH-64 Apache Gunships, but do to the urgency of our mission, we were out flying them. We had commo with AWAX, A/C. They told us the A/O was clear all the way. Approximately one hour into the flight, well behind enemy lines, we were (strobed). We were only 20-25 ft AGL and flying about 130 knots when we came under heat AAA fire. Our Tail boom was severed and we crashed. Upon impacting the Iraqis fired small arms fire into the wreckage. After it was over both pilots, a Crew-Chief, and my 2 pathfinders were killed. Myself and the female Doctor and another Crew-Chief were captured and held as POW's.

Now after my release, I (recovered) a VCR tape of the transmissions from the mission, audio and visual, I was listed as Killed In Action. The Flight Commander, of the Apaches ordered a retreat back to friendly lines. He also told the Theater Commander there were no survivors of the crash. Therefore, no Search and Rescue Op, was formed.

Troy Dunlap (Sgt.)
U.S. Army Pathfinder (Desert Storm)