WASHINGTON (Nov. 1, 2012) -- Two U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilots from 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Drum, received the Cross of Military Valor with Silver Star, one of the highest French military awards, during a ceremony Oct. 23, 2012, in Washington, D.C. Capt. Benjamin H. March and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Keenan A. Bachmeyer each earned the award for courageous actions while providing air support to French special forces in eastern Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2010. During the operation, both pilots suffered wounds from enemy fire, but they continued to provide life-saving air support to the ground troops. From left are French Gen. Bertrand Ract-Madoux, chief of staff of the French army; March; Bachmeyer and Gen. Lloyd Austin III, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army.
Social Sharing