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Maj. Troy Gilbert's life epitomized the core value of Service
before Self. Whether flying the F-16, spending time with his
family, or helping with a church function, he gave unselfishly
of himself to serve and protect others.
Such was the case on Nov. 27, 2006, the day Major Gilbert was
killed in action protecting others. The 12-year Air Force
veteran was assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at
Balad Air Base, Iraq. He had already completed 21 combat sorties
in the F-16 supporting ground forces under enemy fire. On one
mission, he found and identified anti-Iraqi forces, then passed
critical targeting information to coalition forces, who attacked
and eliminated the threat. In another time-sensitive mission,
Major Gilbert destroyed 10 insurgents concealed in a palm grove
with the pinpoint delivery of a laser-guided weapon.
On the day he died, Major Gilbert heroically led a flight of two
F-16s in an aerial combat mission near Taji, Iraq. On the
ground, insurgents were unleashing truck-mounted heavy machine
guns, rocket-propelled grenades, small arms fire and mortars to
attack coalition troops. In addition, a downed Army helicopter
crew was in danger of being overrun. Engaging the enemy meant
certain anti-aircraft fire for Major Gilbert, but despite the
danger, he went after the insurgents. He launched a strafing
attack against the truck, destroying it with his 20-millimeter
Gatling gun.
Despite enemy fire, Major Gilbert continued to press the
insurgents with a second strafing pass at extreme low-level to
help save the lives of the helicopter crew and other ground
forces. He lost his life on that strafing pass when his aircraft
hit the ground.
Major Gilbert's final act of moral and physical courage was
conducted selflessly, just as he had always lived his life.
He has been posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
with Valor. |
