Cohee, Walter Francis Iii
Male
Verified Staff Sergeant Walter Francis Cohee III, a 26-year-old U.S. Marine from Mardela Springs, Maryland, was killed in action southeast of Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 20, 2002.
Their Story
Walter Francis Cohee III was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He served with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361), part of Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. He was 26 years old and from Mardela Springs, Maryland.
On January 20, 2002, Cohee was aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter conducting a mission approximately 23 miles southeast of Kabul. The helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain near the village of Khwaja Rawash. According to U.S. military reports, all seven U.S. Marines on board were killed in the crash. An investigation later determined the cause was an in-flight emergency that led to a loss of control in poor weather conditions.
Cohee's death occurred during the early months of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The operation's initial phase focused on removing the Taliban government and dismantling al-Qaeda infrastructure. The crash in January 2002 happened during a period of continued combat and logistical operations to secure the capital region.
Cohee was posthumously awarded the Air Medal with a combat 'V' device for valor. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His death was reported by national news outlets, including The Washington Post, which noted his Maryland roots.
He is remembered on memorials including the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, which honors those who died at the Pentagon and in the subsequent military campaigns. His name is also inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Marine Corps Museum.
Explore Further
Walter Cohee 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.
