Keith Yoakum
Chief Warrant Officer 4, U.S. Army

In 2005, Keith Yoakum, an avid aviator professionally and privately, was nominated to fly for the Army's prestigious Golden Knights Parachute Team. He turned down the prestigious opportunity in order to go to Iraq. Keith's fraternal twin retired from the military shortly before his death. The 3 Yaokum brothers had purchased 51 acres in Alabama and had started building a hangar along with a landing strip, evidence of their passion for flying.

On 2 February 2007, then-Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Yoakum was serving as Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter with Company A, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Corps - Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, CW4 Yoakum’s unit was engaged in aerial operations in Baghdad, Iraq. During a reconnaissance mission, CW4 Yoakum’s Apache helicopter was seriously damaged by heavy enemy machine gun fire, which required him to land immediately. Ignoring his own safety in order to protect his comrades, CW4 Yoakum chose to remain with his wingman to destroy the enemy. With his main gun inoperable, CW4 Yoakum’s only option was to climb high and then dive while firing his Apache's rockets. Ultimately the aircraft succumbed to its battle damage and crashed, killing CW4 Yoakum. CW4 Yoakum’s courageous actions, devotion to duty and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal (Kosovo)
Master Army Aviator Badge
Air Assault Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer Four Keith Yoakum, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum distinguished himself as a Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter on 2 February 2007 while engaged in aerial operations in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During a reconnaissance mission, Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum's aircraft was seriously damaged by heavy enemy machine gun fire, which required him to land immediately. Without regard for his own safety and to protect his comrades, Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum chose to remain with his wingman to destroy the enemy. With his main gun inoperable, his only option was to climb in altitude and then dive while firing his Apache's rockets. Ultimately the aircraft succumbed to its battle damage and crashed. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum's distinctive accomplishments and dedication to service to his country are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2009-23 (December 10, 2009)

Burial

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Yoakum is buried on a 51-acre plot of land in Alabama. The 3 Yaokum brothers had purchased the land and had started building a hangar, along with a landing strip, evidence of their passion for flying.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17837365/keith-yoakum