Heathe N. Craig

Died: June 21, 2006

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Unit: 159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance)

Branch: U.S. Army

Staff Sergeant Heathe N. Craig died on June 21, 2006, when his UH-60 helicopter hoist malfunctioned in Naray, Afghanistan, where he was serving in support of Op­eration Enduring Freedom. While attempting to evacuate another Soldier hurt during combat operations, Craig was holding the wounded Soldier as they were both hoisted from a ridgeline by the helicopter. Halfway to the helicopter, the line snapped and both Soldiers fell to their deaths. The 28-year-old was assigned to the 159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) out of Wiesbaden, Germany. Craig’s memorial service and funeral were held at Wiesbaden Army Airfield’s chapel.