Craig, Heathe Nathanniel
Male
Verified Staff Sergeant Heathe Nathanniel Craig, 28, of Severn, Maryland, was a U.S. Army medic serving with the 159th Air Ambulance Medical Company. He was killed in action on June 22, 2006, in Naray, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Staff Sergeant Heathe Nathanniel Craig was a flight medic from Severn, Maryland. He was assigned to the 159th Air Ambulance Medical Company, based in Wiesbaden, Germany, as part of the U.S. Army's effort to provide critical aeromedical evacuation in Afghanistan.
On June 22, 2006, Craig was part of a medical evacuation mission responding to a call for casualties in the mountainous region near Naray, Kunar Province. According to U.S. military reports, the HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was aboard crashed during the mission. The crash killed all five U.S. service members on board, including Craig.
Craig's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2006, insurgent activity, including the use of improvised explosive devices and direct attacks, had intensified, particularly in the country's eastern provinces. U.S. and coalition casualty figures were rising.
Craig was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service. He was survived by his wife and a young daughter. His remains were returned to the United States, and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Craig is memorialized on a plaque at the Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, which honors air ambulance crews. His name is also inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Severna Park Veterans Monument in Maryland.
Explore Further
Staff Sergeant Heathe Craig 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.
