Toop
Brian  R.  Bill  
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  Rank, Service
Chief Petty Officer E-7,  U.S. Navy
  Veteran of:
U.S. Navy 2001-2011
War on Terrorism 2001-2011
Iraqi 2004-2006 (Multiple Deployments)
Afghanistan 2008-2011 (Multiple Deployments, KIA)
  Tribute:

Brian Bill was born on August 23, 1979, in Stamford, Connecticut. After completing his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 9, 2001, and went on active duty beginning July 2, 2001. He attended basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, from July to September 2001, and then completed his A School at NATTC Pensacola, Florida, from September to November 2001. Petty Officer Bill attended Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, Basic Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and SEAL Qualification training at NAB Coronado, from November 2001 to June 2003. His first assignment was with SEAL Team EIGHT at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from July 2003 to July 2007, followed by service with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, Virginia, from July 2007 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. While serving with SEAL Team EIGHT and DEVGRU he deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Brian Bill was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His 3rd (of 4) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 17 March 2010. On this date, Petty Officer First Class Bill was part of a ground force element during a daring nighttime raid against a heavily armed enemy commander. While attempting to engage a barricaded fighter hidden inside the target building, one of his teammates was struck and mortally wounded by enemy fire, causing him to fall directly in front of the barricaded enemy's position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer First Class Bill fought his way into the compound, exchanging fire with the enemy fighter while maneuvering to his wounded teammate. Within point blank range of the barricaded enemy, Petty Officer First Class Bill pulled his comrade from the precarious position where he had fallen as enemy rounds impacted the rock wall around him. He then courageously exposed himself to the enemy fire again, as he pulled his wounded teammate across the open courtyard to a position behind cover. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer First Class Bill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

  




 


 

 
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Contact Veteran Tributes at info@veterantributes.org