Two Fort Hood Soldiers Killed in Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan

The U.S. Department of Defense is investigating after two soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood were fatally injured in Afghanistan Wednesday.

In a news release, the DOD reported that 33-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle of Tarrant, Texas and 25-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami of Keaau, Hawaii were providing security for ground troops in Logar Province, Afghanistan when their helicopter crashed.

The Army provided further details in an email following our request for more information about these two soldiers.

Knadle entered active duty service in April of 2013. He was assigned to 1-227th in April 2015 as an Apache helicopter pilot. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and Army Aviator Badge.

Fuchigami entered active duty in May of 2017 and was assigned to the 1-227th in October of 2018 as an Apache helicopter pilot. His awards and decorations include  the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Army Aviator Badge.

Both men were deployed to Afghanistan in October of 2019.

To the families and friends of these two men, we express our sincere condolences.

To the Fort Hood community and all our soldiers, both active-duty and retired, we thank you for your service and the sacrifices you've made to protect and preserve our way of life.