Iannelli, Ryan Kenneth
Male
Verified Capt. Ryan Kenneth Iannelli, 27, of Clarksboro, New Jersey, was a U.S. Marine Corps pilot killed in action in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on September 28, 2011.
Their Story
Ryan Kenneth Iannelli was a captain in the United States Marine Corps. He served as an AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA-269), based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. The squadron was part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
On September 28, 2011, Iannelli was piloting an AH-1W Super Cobra on a combat mission in the volatile Helmand province of southern Afghanistan. According to U.S. military reports, the helicopter crashed in the Washir district. The incident resulted in the deaths of Iannelli and his co-pilot, Capt. Drew J. Russell. The Department of Defense stated both Marines were killed in action, and an investigation into the crash was initiated.
Iannelli's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By late 2011, a surge of U.S. forces had been deployed and was beginning to draw down, but intense combat operations continued, particularly in Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold and center of the opium trade. Coalition forces faced persistent insurgent attacks, including small-arms fire and improvised explosive devices.
Following the crash, Iannelli's remains were returned to the United States. A memorial service was held at his home station in North Carolina. He was posthumously awarded the Air Medal with combat 'V' for valor and the Purple Heart. His death was reported by several news outlets, including the Associated Press and military publications.
Capt. Ryan Iannelli is memorialized on the Wall of the Fallen at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and on online veterans' memorials. He was a graduate of Kingsway Regional High School in New Jersey. Fellow Marines described him as a dedicated pilot and a respected officer within his squadron.
Explore Further
Capt. Ryan Iannelli 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.
