SGT Dominick M. Pilla

3 October 1993, Somalia

Rangers

Sergeant Dominick M. Pilla of Vineland, New Jersey, died on 3 October 1993 while supporting Operation CONTINUE HOPE in Somalia.

Pilla enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1990 as an Infantryman. After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training, Airborne school, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Benning, Georgia. He later graduated the Ranger Course and earned the Expert Infantryman Badge.

SGT Pilla deployed with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment to Somalia in August 1993 as part of Task Force Ranger. He was serving as a Machine Gunner during the Battle of Mogadishu when he was killed by small arms fire. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.