SPOKANE, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Defense has identified a U.S. army officer who died in a helicopter crash in Iraq on Monday.
According to DoD officials, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Taylor J. Galvin, 34, died from his injuries in Baghdad. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Officials said the incident is under investigation.
Galvin was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was born on December 22, 1983 in Phoenix, Arizona, and entered the U.S. Army as an aircraft mechanic in 2003, according to U.S. Army Special Operations Command officials. Spokane City officials said Galvin graduated from Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls.
Spokane Mayor David Condon released a statement Tuesday afternoon about his death.
“Chief Warrant Officer Galvin gave his life in service of our country. He bravely and willingly put others’ safety before his own, and for that, we are forever grateful. On behalf of the citizens of the City of Spokane, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Galvin is a combat veteran with nine deployments, including two in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, three in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and four in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Galvin’s awards and decorations include: One Air Medal (C device); Air Medal (3OLC); Army Commendation Medal (2OLC); Joint Service Air Medal (OLC); Army Achievement Medal (2OLC); Meritorious Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal (3); National Defense Service Medal (2); Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War On Terrorism Service Medal; NATO Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (3); Combat Action Badge and Senior Army Aviator Badge.
For more information regarding Galvin, you can contact Lt. Col. Robert Bockholt at with public affairs at 910-432-3383 or matthew.bockholt@socom.mil.