3/12/2001
SGT Phillip Michael Freligh,SSG Richard N. Boudreau II, and SPC Jason D. Wildfong were killed on 12 March 2001. SGT Freligh, SSG Boudreau, and SPC Wildfong were assigned to 707th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). SGT Freligh, SSG Boudreau, and SPC Wildfong were killed when a Navy F/A-18C Hornet, piloted by Commander David O. Zimmerman of VFA-37 Hornet Squadron off the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) accidentally bombed their position during Exercise DESERT SPRING. The incident took place during a nighttime close air support exercise (CASEX). Six personnel in total were killed when the aircraft dropped three MK-82 500-pound gravity bombs onto Observation Post 10, Al Udairi Test Range, Kuwait instead of the intended target. The test range was located 45 miles northwest of Kuwait City. Also killed was Air Force SSgt Jason M. Faley, a tactical air controller from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron (Fort Campbell, Kentucky) who was directing the drop, SSG Troy J. Westberg medical sergeant from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Fort Bragg, North Carolina), and New Zealand Army Acting Major John McNutt. In addition to those that were killed three Americans were seriously injured, and two Americans and two Kuwaitis were treated and released.
*This bio was researched and authored by SGM Mike R.Vining, USA (Retired). Please send any additional information and/or corrections to the author of this bio by email: sgmmvining@gmail.com. The EOD Wounded Warrior Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in bio.