News release
FORT MCCOY, Wis. — A Hays native was honored when an Army Reserve facility was memorialized as the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan J. Nichols Army Reserve Center and Aviation Support Facility on Aug. 6 in New Century, Kan.
On the night of Aug. 5, 2011, Nichols as pilot and four other crew members of Extortion 17 were tasked to transport a platoon of U.S. Army Rangers into the Tangi Valley of Wardak Province in Afghanistan to neutralize a known Taliban leader. U.S. forces quickly became engaged with enemy ground forces shortly after the insertion.
During the operation, a small group of insurgents was observed leaving the area. A SEAL Team Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to intercept the insurgents and determine whether the Taliban leader was among the group. Despite the high threat level and presence of enemy forces, Nichols and his crew stepped forward to transport the QRF to the Tangi Valley. As Extortion 17 approached the landing zone, a series of rocket-propelled grenades were fired at the aircraft. One of the RPGs struck the aft rotor system, causing the Chinook helicopter to spin and crash in a dry river bed. The aircraft exploded on impact, killing all 33 passengers and all five crew members, making it the single deadliest day to date of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
During his 14 years of distinguished service, Nichols received many awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Badge and Basic Army Aviator Badge.