Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class (EXW) Michael J. Strange hailed from the historic city of Philadelphia. Many rightfully consider the city of Boston as the “cradle of liberty”, but it is also true that the city on the banks of the Schuylkill River played a critical role in securing the nation’s freedom. On August 6, 2011 Petty Officer Strange’s team was called upon to participate in a mission aimed at interdicting an insurgent attack on U.S. forces. As the team’s helicopter neared the designated landing zone, it took a direct hit from an insurgent fired rocket propelled grenade. Michael, along with 29 members of his team and 8 Afghans, was killed making it the deadliest single loss for U.S. forces in the decade-long war in Afghanistan.

Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class (EXW) Michael J. Strange hailed from the historic city of Philadelphia. Many rightfully consider the city of Boston as the “cradle of liberty”, but it is also true that the city on the banks of the Schuylkill River played a critical role in securing the nation’s freedom. On August 6, 2011 Petty Officer Strange’s team was called upon to participate in a mission aimed at interdicting an insurgent attack on U.S. forces. As the team’s helicopter neared the designated landing zone, it took a direct hit from an insurgent fired rocket propelled grenade. Michael, along with 29 members of his team and 8 Afghans, was killed making it the deadliest single loss for U.S. forces in the decade-long war in Afghanistan.