4/6/2007
Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Gregory John Billiter was born November 7, 1970 in Covington, KY to his parents Mary and Barry Billiter. Gregory enlisted in the Navy, August 26, 1991 after graduating from Covington Latin High School and the University of Dayton where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Marketing.
Following graduation from Navy Recruit Training Center, Orlando, Florida, Gregory set sail as a Boatswains Mate in USS Durham (LKA-114) home ported in San Diego, California. His second tour was in USS Duluth (LPD-6), also in San Diego, California where he qualified as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. In July 1997, he moved to Columbus, Ohio and served as a Naval Recruiter until January 2001. He was selected for the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal program and transferred to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Florida. Gregory graduated from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in March 2002 as a Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and accepted orders to EOD Mobile Unit ELEVEN, Whidbey Island, Washington.
EODC Billiter reported onboard EODMU ELEVEN, June 7, 2002. His professionalism and steadfast dedication to duty is reflected in his exemplary record, completing three carrier strike group deployments in USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), and USS Nimitz (CVN-68) while also qualifying as a Naval Parachutist, Scuba and Mk16 Mod1 Diving Supervisor, Demolitions Operations Supervisor, Helicopter Rope Suspension Training / Cast Master and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. He was a vital member of the command who was promoted to Chief Petty Officer on September 15, 2005. He most recently served as EODMU ELEVEN Detachment ONE Leading Chief Petty Officer responsible for rendering safe and disposal of Unexploded Ordnance and Improvised Explosive Devices while deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Gregory John Billiter was killed in action on the 6th day of April, 2007 in the city of Hawija, Iraq during combat operations while supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from Combat Operating Base McHenry in Kirkuk Province. Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Gregory John Billiter was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for Valor and Purple Heart.
Gregory John Billiter is survived by his wife April, their son Cooper, his parents Barry and Mary Billiter, his brothers Jeff, Kevin, and David, and his sisters Beth and Jill.