POMPANO, FL, USA U.S. Army SGT, COMPANY B, 3D BATTALION, 160TH SOAR, HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, GA ASADABAD, AFGHANISTAN 06/28/2005
Sergeant Kip A. Jacoby died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations. He was born September 2, 1983 in Florida. A native of Pompano, Fla., Jacoby graduated high school in 2002. He enlisted in the Army in October 2002 as a heavy helicopter repairman.
Jacoby would have welcomed the mission to rescue an elite special forces team missing in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, his uncle, Ernest Jacoby, of Hastings Mich., told the The Grand Rapids Press.
“I believe there wouldn’t be much of a hesitation,” his uncle said.
Sergeant Kip A. Jacoby was described by a friend as having “a brilliant smile and perfect charm,” died in the attack. He was 21.
Kip Jacoby is the son of Stephen and Susan Jacoby, of Florida. Stephen Jacoby grew up in Hastings, Ernest Jacoby said, and relatives throughout the state are grieving the death of 21-year-old Kip.
“Kip believed his choice of service for our country was meaningful and right,” his family wrote in a statement posted on the Army’s Web site. “He loved what he was doing, he knew the risks, and he was proud to be a soldier fighting so others wouldn’t have to. He made us all very proud. Even in the face of danger, he showed courage and bravery as well as a keen sense of humor. He honors us all.”
In May 2003, Jacoby was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Training Company and upon completion of the Basic Mission Qualification Course was assigned as a helicopter repairman for 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). In February 2004 he was reassigned within the battalion to Company B as a CH-47D flight engineer.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Army Aviation Crewmember Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, an Air Medal with Valor device and the Combat Action Badge.
Jacoby is survived by his parents, Stephen and Susan, of Pompano, Fla.