Golden, Jonathan Joseph

Also known as: CAPT, 39 AIRLIFT SQUADRON, DYESS AFB, TX (AMC)

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedOctober 2, 2015

Age33 years old

Location of DeathJALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN

Cause of DeathKilled in action from wounds sustained in a ground attack involving enemy small arms fire

Conflict Operation Freedom's Sentinel

Captain Jonathan Joseph Golden, 33, of Camarillo, California, was a U.S. Air Force C-130J pilot assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron. He was killed in action in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on October 2, 2015.

Their Story

Captain Jonathan Joseph Golden was a C-130J Super Hercules pilot from Camarillo, California. He was assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, 317th Airlift Group, at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. The squadron's mission was to provide global airlift support.

On October 2, 2015, Golden was killed in a ground attack on Jalalabad Airfield in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense stated he died from wounds sustained during an engagement with enemy forces. The attack reportedly involved small arms fire.

Golden's death occurred during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S.-led NATO mission that succeeded the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on January 1, 2015. The mission's stated objectives were to train, advise, and assist Afghan security forces and conduct counter-terrorism operations.

Following his death, the Air Force posthumously awarded Golden the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. A memorial service was held at Dyess Air Force Base, and he was remembered by his squadron commander as a dedicated officer and pilot.

Captain Golden was survived by his wife and parents. In 2016, a memorial scholarship fund was established in his name at Adolfo Camarillo High School, his alma mater, to support students pursuing careers in aviation or the military.