Erik S. Kristensen

Operation Red Wings On June 28, 2005, a four-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team was assigned to keep eyes on Ahmad Shah (nom de guerre Mohammad Ismail), who had no affiliation with the Taliban other than fighting against Anti-Coalition Forces, but who was responsible for operations in eastern Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush mountains.

The SEAL team was made up of Matthew Axelson, Danny Dietz, Marcus Luttrell, and Michael P. Murphy. Murphy risked his life to get off an emergency message to his command. Of the four-man team, only Luttrell would survive.

Death Upon hearing the distress call, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter was dispatched with a force consisting of SEALs including Kristensen and 160th SOAR Nightstalkers to rescue the team, but the helicopter was shot down by an SA-7 surface to air missile. All 16 men on board the Chinook, including Kristensen, were killed. The battle was later called "the worst single day loss of life for Naval Special Warfare personnel since World War II." In interviews, Ahmad Shah maintained that his forces had set a trap for the American forces: "We certainly know that when the American army comes under pressure and they get hit, they will try to help their friends. It is the law of the battlefield."

Posthumous

Days after Kristensen's death was announced, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement stating his deepest condolences to his family and friends and announcing that flags at the California State Capitol would be flown at half-staff in his honor.

Kristensen's funeral Mass (Mass of Christian Burial) was celebrated on July 19, 2005. His mother told the press her son would be buried in his Birkenstock sandals. He is interred at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery.

A charity, the LCDR Erik S. Kristensen '90, USN, Memorial Scholarship Fund, was created in Kristensen's honor after his death. It assists a Gonzaga College High School student whose family serves in the U.S. armed forces. The Erik Kristensen Eye Street Klassic is held annually to raise money for the scholarship fund.

Awards and decorations U.S. military decorationsBronze Star with Combat "V" Purple Heart Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold award starNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold award starCombat Action Ribbon with gold award starBattle Efficiency RibbonNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service starAfghanistan Campaign MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Navy Expert Pistol Shot MedalU.S. badges, patches and tabs 200px Naval Special Warfare insignia 200px Surface Warfare insignia 200px Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia

In media In the 2013 film Lone Survivor, Kristensen is portrayed by actor Eric Bana.