Patrick Daniel Tillman
Corporal, U.S. Army

Patrick Daniel Tillman was a standout defensive back with Arizona State University and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 7th round of the 1998 National Football League Draft. He played the next 4 seasons as starting Safety, and was an NFL All-Pro in 2000. Following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, On 31 May 2002, Pat left a $3.6 million professional football contract to join the U.S. Army with his brother Kevin. After participating in the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in September 2003, Pat and Kevin entered Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and graduated on 28 November 2003. Pat Tillman was subsequently redeployed to Afghanistan and based at FOB Salerno.

On 22 April 2004, then-SPC Patrick Daniel Tillman was serving as a Rifle Team Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, SPC Tillman’s unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces. When he was caught between the crossfire of an enemy near ambush, SPC Tillman put himself in the line of devastating enemy fire as he maneuvered his fire team to a covered position from which they could effectively employ their weapons on known enemy positions. SPC Tillman's audacious leadership and courageous example under fire inspired his men to fight at great risk to their own personal safety, resulting in the enemy's withdrawal, his platoon's safe passage from the ambush kill zone. During the firefight, SPC Tillman sustained a mortal wound. SPC Tillman’s courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Tillman was posthumously awarded the rank of Corporal.

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Ranger Tab

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Patrick D. Tillman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, during action in Afghanistan on 22 April 2004, against an armed enemy while serving as a Rifle Team Leader in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Caught between the crossfire of an enemy near ambush, Corporal Tillman put himself in the line of devastating enemy fire as he maneuvered his fire team to a covered position from which they could effectively employ their weapons on known enemy positions. His audacious leadership and courageous example under fire inspired his men to fight at great risk to their own personal safety, resulting in the enemy's withdrawal, his platoon's safe passage from the ambush kill zone, and his mortal wound. Corporal Tillman's personal courage, tactical expertise, and professional competence directly contributed to his platoon's overall success and survival. In making the ultimate sacrifice for his team and platoon, Corporal Patrick D. Tillman reflected great credit upon himself, the Joint Task Force, and the United States Army.

Note

This recognition of CPL Tillman's military service and death contains only the information initially provided by the U.S. Army. The controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death are far too detailed to list here and were deliberately omitted. They are available from many other sources.