A private memorial service was held to honor Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque.
Interment was at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 P.M. on 21 December 2012. This has been confirmed by a cemetery official that I spoke with just moments ago.
Due to safety concerns, identifying information regarding his family will not be added by me to his bio and memorial.
His memorial will be updated soon. Thank you for your emails.
The Pentagon has identified Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque as the Navy SEAL who died of injuries sustained in the successful rescue of an American doctor from the Taliban over the weekend.
Checque, who hailed from Monroeville, Pa., died of "combat related injuries," according to a Pentagon release. Though the release only said Checque was assigned to "an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit," ABC News previously reported the fallen servicemember was a part of the Navy's elite SEAL Team 6, the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden.
Checque, 28, sustained his mortal injuries while on a nighttime mission Saturday to free Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American doctor who worked for an non-governmental organization based in Kabul. Joseph was kidnapped by the Taliban earlier this month and American officials believed he was in imminent danger.
During his 10 years in the Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque was given these awards and decorations:
Bronze Star Medal w/Combat 'V'
Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbons
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
*****************************
Afghan and Coalition Forces Rescue American Doctor Who Was Kidnapped by Taliban
By SHARIFULLAH SAHAK and AZAM AHMED
Published: December 9, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan — An American doctor kidnapped by the Taliban was rescued Sunday by Afghan and coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. At least six people were killed, including a member of a U.S. special forces Navy SEAL team. Two Taliban leaders were arrested during the rescue.
On Monday, Department of Defense officials identified the member of the elite team as Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, of Monroeville, Pa. A highly-decorated combat veteran, he was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit, officials said.
The American physician rescued on Sunday, Dr. Dilip Joseph, was abducted along with two Afghan men on Wednesday while driving to a rural medical clinic in the Sorobi district of eastern Afghanistan, about an hour outside the capital, Kabul, according to the district police chief, Naqeebullah Khan.
From there, the kidnapped men were taken to a mountainous area about 50 miles from the border with Pakistan, according to a statement from the American nonprofit organization that employed the men, Morning Star Development. After days of negotiations, the two Afghan employees were released Saturday. But Dr. Joseph remained in the hands of his Taliban captors.
Kidnappings of government officials and Westerners are a common source of money for criminal organizations as well as the Taliban. In many cases, people kidnapped by the Taliban are taken across the border to Pakistan, where it becomes extremely difficult to track them.
Having received intelligence that the doctor was in imminent danger, American and Afghan forces mounted a rescue attempt, the coalition forces said in a statement. The doctor was unhurt in the raid.
"Today's mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating the Taliban," said Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, who ordered the mission.
Dr. Joseph, who lives in Colorado Springs, has frequently traveled to Afghanistan, according to the organization's statement.
The abductions occurred about 25 miles from a stretch of highway heading east from the capital toward Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The highway itself is considered safe during the day, but travel is much more dangerous in the areas off the main road.
Kidnappings are frequent occurrences in the area, and the Taliban is active there, despite international efforts to control the violence. In the case of Dr. Joseph, the kidnappers were believed to have been demanding a $100,000 ransom, said Dr. Said Jan, the director of the public health clinic in Sorobi, where Dr. Joseph was seized.
New York Times:
*******************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Global War on Terror
Service: Navy
Division: SEAL Team Six
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Nicolas D. Checque, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member for a Joint Task Force on 8 December 2012 in Support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The team infiltrated an enemy stronghold to rescue an American hostage from a well-armed and determined Taliban guard force. After aerial surveillance reported an active guard on the target compound, Chief Petty Officer Checque skillfully maneuvered and led the primary assault force toward the target building. In the final steps of the assault, a guard in the courtyard identified the approaching rescue force, and darted into the building. Chief Petty Officer Checque instinctively pursued and engaged a guard who peered from a doorway. Realizing the Taliban guards had been alerted and the hostage's life was in imminent danger, Chief Petty Officer Checque unhesitatingly sprinted to the door and made entry. He was engaged by the enemy at close range and mortally wounded, but his bravery and unhesitant commitment in pursuit of the target was pivotal in saving the American hostage and the ultimate success of the overall mission. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Checque reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Interment was at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 P.M. on 21 December 2012. This has been confirmed by a cemetery official that I spoke with just moments ago.
Due to safety concerns, identifying information regarding his family will not be added by me to his bio and memorial.
His memorial will be updated soon. Thank you for your emails.
The Pentagon has identified Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque as the Navy SEAL who died of injuries sustained in the successful rescue of an American doctor from the Taliban over the weekend.
Checque, who hailed from Monroeville, Pa., died of "combat related injuries," according to a Pentagon release. Though the release only said Checque was assigned to "an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit," ABC News previously reported the fallen servicemember was a part of the Navy's elite SEAL Team 6, the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden.
Checque, 28, sustained his mortal injuries while on a nighttime mission Saturday to free Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American doctor who worked for an non-governmental organization based in Kabul. Joseph was kidnapped by the Taliban earlier this month and American officials believed he was in imminent danger.
During his 10 years in the Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque was given these awards and decorations:
Bronze Star Medal w/Combat 'V'
Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbons
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
*****************************
Afghan and Coalition Forces Rescue American Doctor Who Was Kidnapped by Taliban
By SHARIFULLAH SAHAK and AZAM AHMED
Published: December 9, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan — An American doctor kidnapped by the Taliban was rescued Sunday by Afghan and coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. At least six people were killed, including a member of a U.S. special forces Navy SEAL team. Two Taliban leaders were arrested during the rescue.
On Monday, Department of Defense officials identified the member of the elite team as Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, of Monroeville, Pa. A highly-decorated combat veteran, he was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit, officials said.
The American physician rescued on Sunday, Dr. Dilip Joseph, was abducted along with two Afghan men on Wednesday while driving to a rural medical clinic in the Sorobi district of eastern Afghanistan, about an hour outside the capital, Kabul, according to the district police chief, Naqeebullah Khan.
From there, the kidnapped men were taken to a mountainous area about 50 miles from the border with Pakistan, according to a statement from the American nonprofit organization that employed the men, Morning Star Development. After days of negotiations, the two Afghan employees were released Saturday. But Dr. Joseph remained in the hands of his Taliban captors.
Kidnappings of government officials and Westerners are a common source of money for criminal organizations as well as the Taliban. In many cases, people kidnapped by the Taliban are taken across the border to Pakistan, where it becomes extremely difficult to track them.
Having received intelligence that the doctor was in imminent danger, American and Afghan forces mounted a rescue attempt, the coalition forces said in a statement. The doctor was unhurt in the raid.
"Today's mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating the Taliban," said Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, who ordered the mission.
Dr. Joseph, who lives in Colorado Springs, has frequently traveled to Afghanistan, according to the organization's statement.
The abductions occurred about 25 miles from a stretch of highway heading east from the capital toward Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The highway itself is considered safe during the day, but travel is much more dangerous in the areas off the main road.
Kidnappings are frequent occurrences in the area, and the Taliban is active there, despite international efforts to control the violence. In the case of Dr. Joseph, the kidnappers were believed to have been demanding a $100,000 ransom, said Dr. Said Jan, the director of the public health clinic in Sorobi, where Dr. Joseph was seized.
New York Times:
*******************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Global War on Terror
Service: Navy
Division: SEAL Team Six
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Nicolas D. Checque, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member for a Joint Task Force on 8 December 2012 in Support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The team infiltrated an enemy stronghold to rescue an American hostage from a well-armed and determined Taliban guard force. After aerial surveillance reported an active guard on the target compound, Chief Petty Officer Checque skillfully maneuvered and led the primary assault force toward the target building. In the final steps of the assault, a guard in the courtyard identified the approaching rescue force, and darted into the building. Chief Petty Officer Checque instinctively pursued and engaged a guard who peered from a doorway. Realizing the Taliban guards had been alerted and the hostage's life was in imminent danger, Chief Petty Officer Checque unhesitatingly sprinted to the door and made entry. He was engaged by the enemy at close range and mortally wounded, but his bravery and unhesitant commitment in pursuit of the target was pivotal in saving the American hostage and the ultimate success of the overall mission. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Checque reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
A private memorial service was held to honor Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque.
Interment was at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 P.M. on 21 December 2012. This has been confirmed by a cemetery official that I spoke with just moments ago.
Due to safety concerns, identifying information regarding his family will not be added by me to his bio and memorial.
His memorial will be updated soon. Thank you for your emails.
The Pentagon has identified Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque as the Navy SEAL who died of injuries sustained in the successful rescue of an American doctor from the Taliban over the weekend.
Checque, who hailed from Monroeville, Pa., died of "combat related injuries," according to a Pentagon release. Though the release only said Checque was assigned to "an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit," ABC News previously reported the fallen servicemember was a part of the Navy's elite SEAL Team 6, the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden.
Checque, 28, sustained his mortal injuries while on a nighttime mission Saturday to free Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American doctor who worked for an non-governmental organization based in Kabul. Joseph was kidnapped by the Taliban earlier this month and American officials believed he was in imminent danger.
During his 10 years in the Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque was given these awards and decorations:
Bronze Star Medal w/Combat 'V'
Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbons
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
*****************************
Afghan and Coalition Forces Rescue American Doctor Who Was Kidnapped by Taliban
By SHARIFULLAH SAHAK and AZAM AHMED
Published: December 9, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan — An American doctor kidnapped by the Taliban was rescued Sunday by Afghan and coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. At least six people were killed, including a member of a U.S. special forces Navy SEAL team. Two Taliban leaders were arrested during the rescue.
On Monday, Department of Defense officials identified the member of the elite team as Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, of Monroeville, Pa. A highly-decorated combat veteran, he was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit, officials said.
The American physician rescued on Sunday, Dr. Dilip Joseph, was abducted along with two Afghan men on Wednesday while driving to a rural medical clinic in the Sorobi district of eastern Afghanistan, about an hour outside the capital, Kabul, according to the district police chief, Naqeebullah Khan.
From there, the kidnapped men were taken to a mountainous area about 50 miles from the border with Pakistan, according to a statement from the American nonprofit organization that employed the men, Morning Star Development. After days of negotiations, the two Afghan employees were released Saturday. But Dr. Joseph remained in the hands of his Taliban captors.
Kidnappings of government officials and Westerners are a common source of money for criminal organizations as well as the Taliban. In many cases, people kidnapped by the Taliban are taken across the border to Pakistan, where it becomes extremely difficult to track them.
Having received intelligence that the doctor was in imminent danger, American and Afghan forces mounted a rescue attempt, the coalition forces said in a statement. The doctor was unhurt in the raid.
"Today's mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating the Taliban," said Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, who ordered the mission.
Dr. Joseph, who lives in Colorado Springs, has frequently traveled to Afghanistan, according to the organization's statement.
The abductions occurred about 25 miles from a stretch of highway heading east from the capital toward Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The highway itself is considered safe during the day, but travel is much more dangerous in the areas off the main road.
Kidnappings are frequent occurrences in the area, and the Taliban is active there, despite international efforts to control the violence. In the case of Dr. Joseph, the kidnappers were believed to have been demanding a $100,000 ransom, said Dr. Said Jan, the director of the public health clinic in Sorobi, where Dr. Joseph was seized.
New York Times:
*******************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Global War on Terror
Service: Navy
Division: SEAL Team Six
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Nicolas D. Checque, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member for a Joint Task Force on 8 December 2012 in Support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The team infiltrated an enemy stronghold to rescue an American hostage from a well-armed and determined Taliban guard force. After aerial surveillance reported an active guard on the target compound, Chief Petty Officer Checque skillfully maneuvered and led the primary assault force toward the target building. In the final steps of the assault, a guard in the courtyard identified the approaching rescue force, and darted into the building. Chief Petty Officer Checque instinctively pursued and engaged a guard who peered from a doorway. Realizing the Taliban guards had been alerted and the hostage's life was in imminent danger, Chief Petty Officer Checque unhesitatingly sprinted to the door and made entry. He was engaged by the enemy at close range and mortally wounded, but his bravery and unhesitant commitment in pursuit of the target was pivotal in saving the American hostage and the ultimate success of the overall mission. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Checque reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Interment was at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 P.M. on 21 December 2012. This has been confirmed by a cemetery official that I spoke with just moments ago.
Due to safety concerns, identifying information regarding his family will not be added by me to his bio and memorial.
His memorial will be updated soon. Thank you for your emails.
The Pentagon has identified Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque as the Navy SEAL who died of injuries sustained in the successful rescue of an American doctor from the Taliban over the weekend.
Checque, who hailed from Monroeville, Pa., died of "combat related injuries," according to a Pentagon release. Though the release only said Checque was assigned to "an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit," ABC News previously reported the fallen servicemember was a part of the Navy's elite SEAL Team 6, the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden.
Checque, 28, sustained his mortal injuries while on a nighttime mission Saturday to free Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American doctor who worked for an non-governmental organization based in Kabul. Joseph was kidnapped by the Taliban earlier this month and American officials believed he was in imminent danger.
During his 10 years in the Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque was given these awards and decorations:
Bronze Star Medal w/Combat 'V'
Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V'
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbons
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
*****************************
Afghan and Coalition Forces Rescue American Doctor Who Was Kidnapped by Taliban
By SHARIFULLAH SAHAK and AZAM AHMED
Published: December 9, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan — An American doctor kidnapped by the Taliban was rescued Sunday by Afghan and coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. At least six people were killed, including a member of a U.S. special forces Navy SEAL team. Two Taliban leaders were arrested during the rescue.
On Monday, Department of Defense officials identified the member of the elite team as Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, of Monroeville, Pa. A highly-decorated combat veteran, he was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit, officials said.
The American physician rescued on Sunday, Dr. Dilip Joseph, was abducted along with two Afghan men on Wednesday while driving to a rural medical clinic in the Sorobi district of eastern Afghanistan, about an hour outside the capital, Kabul, according to the district police chief, Naqeebullah Khan.
From there, the kidnapped men were taken to a mountainous area about 50 miles from the border with Pakistan, according to a statement from the American nonprofit organization that employed the men, Morning Star Development. After days of negotiations, the two Afghan employees were released Saturday. But Dr. Joseph remained in the hands of his Taliban captors.
Kidnappings of government officials and Westerners are a common source of money for criminal organizations as well as the Taliban. In many cases, people kidnapped by the Taliban are taken across the border to Pakistan, where it becomes extremely difficult to track them.
Having received intelligence that the doctor was in imminent danger, American and Afghan forces mounted a rescue attempt, the coalition forces said in a statement. The doctor was unhurt in the raid.
"Today's mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating the Taliban," said Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, who ordered the mission.
Dr. Joseph, who lives in Colorado Springs, has frequently traveled to Afghanistan, according to the organization's statement.
The abductions occurred about 25 miles from a stretch of highway heading east from the capital toward Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The highway itself is considered safe during the day, but travel is much more dangerous in the areas off the main road.
Kidnappings are frequent occurrences in the area, and the Taliban is active there, despite international efforts to control the violence. In the case of Dr. Joseph, the kidnappers were believed to have been demanding a $100,000 ransom, said Dr. Said Jan, the director of the public health clinic in Sorobi, where Dr. Joseph was seized.
New York Times:
*******************
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Global War on Terror
Service: Navy
Division: SEAL Team Six
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Nicolas D. Checque, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member for a Joint Task Force on 8 December 2012 in Support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The team infiltrated an enemy stronghold to rescue an American hostage from a well-armed and determined Taliban guard force. After aerial surveillance reported an active guard on the target compound, Chief Petty Officer Checque skillfully maneuvered and led the primary assault force toward the target building. In the final steps of the assault, a guard in the courtyard identified the approaching rescue force, and darted into the building. Chief Petty Officer Checque instinctively pursued and engaged a guard who peered from a doorway. Realizing the Taliban guards had been alerted and the hostage's life was in imminent danger, Chief Petty Officer Checque unhesitatingly sprinted to the door and made entry. He was engaged by the enemy at close range and mortally wounded, but his bravery and unhesitant commitment in pursuit of the target was pivotal in saving the American hostage and the ultimate success of the overall mission. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Checque reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Gravesite Details
Interred December 21, 2012
