2 Fort Hood Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Helicopter Crash

Two Fort Hood soliders who deployed overseas in October were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Wednesday, military officials said.

The pair were providing security for troops on the ground when their chopper crashed in Afghanistan's Logar Province.

The 1st Cavalry Division identified the two soliders as Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle, 33, of Tarrant, Texas, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., 25, of Keaau, Hawaii. Knadle and Fuchigami belonged to the 227th Aviation Regiment in the division.

"First Attack is saddened by the tragic loss of Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr.," Lt. Col. Adam Camarano, commander of the First 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, said in a statement. "Our heartfelt condolences go to both families and their friends during this difficult time.

"Chief Warrant Officer 2 Knadle and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Fuchigami will always be remembered as a part of the heroic legacy of the 1st Cavalry Division, forged by the sacrifices of brave Cavalry Troopers who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom."

President Donald Trump paid respects Thursday to the two officers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, holding his salute until each of the flag-draped cases containing their remains was returned to their grieving families. The president and first lady Melania Trump led a group of dignitaries that included Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley and National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien. Trump and members of the military saluted and civilians placed a hand over their hearts as a carry team of six white-gloved members of the Army’s Old Guard executed the delicate task of transferring the remains from a vehicle the military referred to as a ramp to a waiting vehicle, one case at a time.

Knadle entered active duty in 2013 and was an Apache helicopter pilot. He received several awards and recognitions during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Fuchigami entered active duty in May 2017 and was also an Apache helicopter pilot. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Officials said the incident remains under investigation.

Reporting and writing from The Associated Press was used in this report.