3/12/2001

SPC Jason Douglas Wildfong, SSG Richard N. Boudreau II, and SGT Phillip M. Freligh were killed on 12 March 2001. SPC Wildfong, SSG Boudreau, and SGT Freligh were assigned to 707^th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 3^rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 52^nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). SPC Wildfong, SSG Boudreau, and SGT Freligh 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 19^th Air Support Operations Squadron (Fort Campbell, Kentucky) who was directing the drop, SSG Troy J. Westberg medical sergeant from the 3^rd 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.