Tarrant County soldier, another from Hawaii killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash
A Tarrant County soldier and a soldier from Hawaii were killed Wednesday when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, according to officials with the Department of Defense.
The soldiers died in Logar Province when their helicopter crashed while providing security for troops on the ground. The crash was under investigation.
Officials identified the victims as Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle, 33, of Tarrant County, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., 25, of Keaau, Hawaii.
“We are all basically devastated at losing David,” his father, Edward Knadle, told Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV on Thursday. “I’ve never known grief like I know it today.”
David Knadle was born in Wise County and grew up in Fort Worth. He attended Bethesda Christian School and earned a degree from Texas Wesleyan University, his father said.
He worked in a series of civilian jobs before joining the Army when he was 27. “I think David really wanted to make a difference in the world, and he did by just being in the world,” Edward Knadle said.
David Knadle was married with two children. He had recently been living in Temple with his wife and children, but he also had lived for years in Fort Worth, Richland Hills and North Richland Hills, according to online records.
Both soldiers were assigned to the Army’s 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.
“First Attack is saddened by the tragic loss of Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr.,” said Lt. Col. Adam Camarano, commander, 1-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, in a statement released Thursday. “Our heartfelt condolences go to both families and their friends during this difficult time.”
Knadle entered active duty in April 2013 and he was assigned to 1-227th in April 2015, where he served as an Apache helicopter pilot.
Knadle’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorist Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Army Aviator Badge.
Fuchigami entered active duty in May 2017 and was assigned to the 1-227th in October 2018, where he also served as an Apache helicopter pilot.
The 25-year-old had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorist Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Army Aviator Badge.
Both soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in October.
This story was originally published November 21, 2019 at 11:26 AM.
