ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
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FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Fort Campbell held a remembrance and wreath laying ceremony Friday, December 12 for 248 101st Soldiers who died in a plane crash on December 12, 1985 as they were returning from Sinai, Egypt. Just after take off from Gander, Newfoundland International Airport, the plane crashed, killing all of the Soldiers aboard and eight crew members.

The Soldiers, who were on a peacekeeping mission, were from several different military units at Fort Campbell, all attached to the 3rd battalion, 502 Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Brigade “Strike”. After six months overseas, the Soldiers were on their way back home just in time for the holidays. The aircraft had made a stop over in Gander to refuel.

The ceremony ended with a wreath being placed at the monument on the memorial site, a 21 gun salute and playing of taps. The Gander memorial is located between Normandy and Screaming Eagle Boulevards on Fort Campbell and contains a maple tree with a marker for each of Soldiers who lost their life in the crash.


Photos courtesy of Major Ireka (Reka) Sanders, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, STRIKE Public Affairs Officer