Gaudet, Bradley Justin
Male
Verified Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bradley Justin Gaudet, 31, of Gladewater, Texas, was a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. He died in Khowst province, Afghanistan, on June 5, 2011.
Their Story
Bradley Justin Gaudet was a 31-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 from Gladewater, Texas. He served as a pilot with Troop B, 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade based at Fort Drum, New York.
On June 5, 2011, Gaudet was piloting an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter on a mission in Khowst province, eastern Afghanistan. The aircraft was reportedly struck by enemy fire and crashed, killing both Gaudet and his co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kenneth R. White. The Department of Defense stated the cause was a direct result of hostile action.
Gaudet's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In mid-2011, the conflict was characterized by intense counterinsurgency operations, particularly in eastern provinces like Khowst along the border with Pakistan.
Following his death, Gaudet was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal, among other decorations. A memorial service was held at Fort Drum. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia.
Gaudet is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated soldier and aviator. Public records and casualty lists document his service, but no extensive personal legacy narratives from family or the military are widely published in major news archives.
Explore Further
CW2 Gaudet 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.
