Two Navy SEALs Killed in Iraq
Story Number: NNS080206-12
Release Date: 2/6/2008 2:20:00 PM
From Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy, 29, of Durham, N.H., and Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael E. Koch (SEAL), 29, of State College, Pa., were killed while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Feb. 4.
They were both based out of the Hampton Roads, Va. area.
"Chief Michael Koch and Chief Nathan Hardy were extraordinary brave SEALs, honored teammates, and great Americans. They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against the enemies of our great nation," said their commanding officer. "On behalf of the men and women with whom I am privileged to serve, I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to their families and friends. In our time of grief, I ask those who knew them to celebrate their lives and honor their memory."
Hardy enlisted in the U.S. Navy Nov. 4, 1997, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in January 1998. The same month, Hardy entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., Class 221.
Following graduation from BUD/S in May 1998, Hardy served his entire career with East Coast-based SEAL teams other than attending various schools.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service deployment awards, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, and the Sharpshooter Pistol Medal.
Hardy is survived by his wife, baby son, mother, father, and brother.
Koch enlisted in the U.S. Navy July 9, 1998, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, in September 1998. Koch entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Class 224 in January 1999 and graduated in August. He also served his entire career with East Coast-based SEAL Teams.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, five Sea Service deployment awards, NATO Medal, and the Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal.
Koch is survived by his fiancée, mother, father, brother and sister.
"There are only approximately 2,500 SEALs in the Navy and they really are a brotherhood," said Naval Special Warfare spokesman, Lt. David Luckett. "This is another unfortunate reminder of the risks and sacrifices these amazing warriors and their families make on a daily basis. Every loss is significant and Chief Koch and Chief Hardy will be missed by all of their brother SEALs and the entire Navy family."
