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Checque, Nicolas D., SOC.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Monroeville, PA
Casualty Date Dec 08, 2012
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Gun, Small Arms Fire
Location Afghanistan
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque died of injuries sustained in the successful rescue of an American doctor from the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Checque sustained his mortal injuries while on a nighttime mission Saturday December 8, 2012 to free Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American doctor who worked for an non-governmental organization based in Kabul. Joseph was kidnapped by the Taliban earlier this month and American officials believed he was in imminent danger.
The Doctor's family released a statement thanking the U.S. government and military for the operation and offering their condolences to Checque's family at the annoucement of the Checques' Death
"We could not be more grateful for that soldier's heroism and for the bravery of all involved in the mission to bring Dilip home," the statement said.
Before Checque was identified publicly, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said In a statement, said:
“I want to commend the U.S. Special Operations team who rescued an American citizen captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. I was deeply saddened to learn that a U.S. service member was killed in the operation, and I also want to extend my condolences to his family, teammates and friends. The special operators who conducted this raid knew they were putting their lives on the line to free a fellow American from the enemy’s grip. They put the safety of another American ahead of their own, as so many of our brave warriors do every day and every night. In this fallen hero, and all of our special operators, Americans see the highest ideals of citizenship, sacrifice and service upheld. The torch of freedom burns brighter because of them.”
Awarded for distinguished actions in combat (valor)
Year Awarded
2007
Details behind Award:
His 1st (of 2) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Lead Navigator, Point Man, Sensitive Sight Exploitation, and Fire Team Leader for a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 6 July 2007. During the early morning hours, the task for conducted an operation against a known enemy safe haven. While exfiltrating from the objective area, Petty Officer Checque's convoy was ambushed and struck by an explosively formed penetrator array, automatic weapons, and small arms fire from multiple positions dispersed along the route. Several operators were wounded in the rear vehicle and in need of urgent care. Without direction and disregarding to personal safety, Petty Officer Checque quickly altered his route and directed the convoy to the nearest coalition outpost. His quick actions and decisiveness under fire enabled the ground force to rapidly escape the contact area, preventing further casualties and rendering aid to the wounded. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Checque reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
