Allison, Thomas Ferrell
Male
Verified U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas Ferrell Allison, 22, of Tucson, Arizona, was killed in a helicopter crash near Basilan Island, Philippines, on February 22, 2002.
Their Story
Thomas Ferrell Allison was a 22-year-old sergeant from Tucson, Arizona, serving with Company E of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the Night Stalkers. The unit specializes in flying helicopters for special operations forces under demanding conditions.
On February 22, 2002, Allison was aboard a U.S. Army MH-47E Chinook helicopter conducting a training mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom ? Philippines. The aircraft crashed into the sea in darkness near Basilan Island, reportedly after a mechanical failure. Allison and nine other U.S. service members on board were killed.
The crash occurred during the early phase of Operation Enduring Freedom ? Philippines, a distinct counterterrorism effort focused on advising and assisting Philippine forces against groups like Abu Sayyaf. It was part of the broader, global Operation Enduring Freedom, which began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks.
According to U.S. military statements, the crash was attributed to an in-flight mechanical malfunction, not hostile fire. The bodies of the ten soldiers were recovered. Allison was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal.
Sergeant Allison is memorialized on the Night Stalkers memorial at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was among the first U.S. casualties of the military campaign in the Philippines.
Explore Further
SGT Allison was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
