3/12/2001
SSG Richard N. Boudreau II, SGT Phillip M. Freligh, and SPC Jason D. Wildfong were killed on 12 March 2001. SSG Boudreau, SGT Freligh, and SPC Wildfong were assigned to 707th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). SSG Boudreau, SGT Freligh, 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.
Additional Facts: Born: 8 July 1969; Age: 31; Hometown: Orlando, Florida; Home Station: Fort Lewis, Washington; Burial: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida, Plot: Section: 402, Site: 76.
*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.
Rich was a greatest mentor and a huge asset to senior and junior EOD members. Phillip was my bunk mate and a close friend that I went through EOD school with, his smile and humor made the dullest day that much better. Jason had endured so many hardships before this deployment after surviving a Black Hawk crash and falling back in love with his former wife who was also doing a tour at Doha with us. I was part of the response team that responded to OP 9 after the accident had happened and we had no idea that our team mates had been part of the accident. Jason had volunteered to take my spot during this training exercise and I’ve been haunted for that choice for many many years after the fact.
I’ve carried your memories and all your greatness with me for every mission, training event, and my personal life since that day. My heart has been so heavy keeping your names on a wrist band I’ve worn since the accident. I love you dearly my brothers and miss you every single day.
SSG Steven W. Brown US Army EOD