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CW4 Raymond A. Frank epitomized the Spirit of the Army Aviation Warrant Officer. Enlisting in the Army at the age of 17 he served three tours in RVN both as a ground combatant and helicopter door gunner. Attending flight school in 1974, CW4 Frank served in a wide variety of assignments including pilot, instructor pilot, standardization instructor, maintenance officer and operations officer. His special place in the annals of Army Aviation, however, was earned as a result of his skill and enthusiasm as a pilot and his indomitable spirit as a patriot, one of whom duty, honor and country were a way of life and not merely a slogan. He was one of the first to become an instructor in air-to-air tactics and his contributions in the development for future Comanche ACM capabilities continue to shape both hardware and doctrine. 1990 CW4 Frank received a Broken Wing Award as a result of his superb handling of a night mission mechanical failure in an MH-60. His skill and composure saved the lives of eight soldiers; however he was left with severely fractured vertebrae and a shattered knee. Overcoming the medical odds that he would never fly again, CW4 Frank was assigned as a Night Stalker in TF 160 in 1990. During this period he achieved full mission qualification, Standardization Instructor Pilot and Joint Mission Planner status. In August 1993 CW4 Frank deployed to Somalia with Joint Task Force Ranger. CW4 Frank deployed as a member of a Flight Lead crew whose responsibility it was to plan and lead special operations combat assaults. He conducted seven highly successful assaults; many during daylight, deep in enemy-territory. He provided great leadership to the aviators and was particularly respected for his advice on the employment of armed and assault helicopters in an urban environment. When his teammate was shot down, he was called for assistance. While providing protective fires, his aircraft was hit by an RPG. Realizing that the tail rotor had separated, he autorotated to a safe landing in the city. Surviving the crash, with tremendous injury to his back he egressed from the helicopter and assumed a fighting position in the urban downtown sprawl of Mogadishu known as the Black Sea. He was killed in action on October 3, 1993 while defending his fellow Night Stalkers and ground force members of TF Ranger in the vicinity of his crashed MH-60 SOF assault helicopter. CW4 Frank received the Silver Star for his gallantry at the crash site.
CW3 Donovan L. Briley or "Bull" as he was affectionately known as, was an excellent pilot, a fine officer, a natural leader, and a true friend. His stocky frame and quiet concentration served as his trademarks, as he set the standards of the "Quiet Professional". CW3 Briley enjoyed flying, but he enjoyed serving his country even more. His courage and dedication were evident in his personality even before he joined the military. He served with the Drug Enforcement Agency prior to his entry into the U.S. Army. During his tenure with that agency, he conducted operations equally as tasking as the ones he would face with the 160th. His relatives knew his as tough and gutsy, yet his fellow agents knew for his courage and cool demeanor in the face of danger. During an aircraft crash in 1985, he saved the lives of two passengers who were in the aircraft with him. Donovan Briley suffered serious back injury during the crash, yet his was primarily concerned with the other occupants. This is what made "Bull" the man he was. When he joined the U.S. Army, he served in South Korea before his talents were recognized and he was selected for the challenging duty with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group. CW3 Briley again displayed his courage and unwavering focus during the U.S. Army action in Panama in 1989. His steady demeanor in the whirl of combat could be relied upon regardless of the intensity of the moment. CW3 Briley distinguished himself during the operation, and those around him saw Bull as the courageous and gifted pilot he had become. His selfless dedication to the pursuit of freedom led him to that fateful night in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 3 October 1993. The need for aviation support of the ground forces tasked with the United Nations peacekeeping mission was what put Bull in harms way, but this is what he lived for. Donovan was heroic in battle. He died doing everything he could do to preserve the lives of his fellow Night Stalkers and those that the Night Stalkers support. His total selflessness and commitment to accomplishing the mission was unwavering. His loss will forever impact the Regiment and Donovan will be immortalized in the Night Stalker history. We must never forget his courage, his dedication, or his name...CW3 Donovan L. Briley.... Written By Jim Crisafulli
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