SSGT JUAN RIDOUT

SSgt Juan Ridout
Air Force Commendation Medal

KIA
JUNE 25, 1972 - FEBRUARY 22, 2002
HOME OF RECORD: OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON

E5 SSgt Rank Insignia
Air Force Enlisted Badge
Pararescue Warfare Insignia
Pararescue Basic badge
Halo badge
SSgt Juan Ridout Ribbon Rack
Diver Badge

On February 22, 2002, an US Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160 SOAR) MH-47 Chinook crashed while ferrying United States Special Forces and supplies in the Philippines, from Zamboanga City to Basilan Island, killing Master Sergeant William McDaniel II and Staff Sergeant Juan Ridout, both of whom were pararescuemen (PJs) attached to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron (320 STS). The helicopter and crew was supporting United States efforts to train and advise the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Global War on Terror.

Ridout became a PJ in 1997, and was first assigned to the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron (22 STS).

While attached to the 22 STS, Ridout participated in Operation ALLIED FORCE and was instrumental in a mission to rescue a downed F-16 pilot inside Kosovo. In 1999, Ridout was reassigned to the 320 STS.