SSG William D. Cleveland, Jr.

3 October 1993, Somalia

160th SOAR

Staff Sergeant William D. Cleveland, Jr., of Peoria, Arizona, died on 3 October 1993 while supporting Operation CONTINUE HOPE in Somalia.

Cleveland enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Utility Helicopter Repairer in 1978. After completing his initial training, he was awarded the Aircraft Crewmember Badge. Prior to joining the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in 1988, he completed assignments in Germany, South Korea, and at Fort Lewis, Washington, earning his Senior Aircraft Crewmen Badge along the way. As part of the 160th SOAG, he deployed to the Persian Gulf to support Operation PRIME CHANCE.

SSG Cleveland deployed to Somalia in August 1993 as part of Task Force Ranger. He was serving as an MH-60 Black Hawk Crew Chief when his helicopter was downed by hostile fire during the Battle of Mogadishu. He died of wounds received in the crash.