Kevin Arthur Houston

Age: 36
Branch: USN
Rank(s): AEAN, AE2, SOC
Unit(s): ST4, NSWDG
Station: Oceana, VA

Fallen on: 06 August 2011
Location: Afghanistan
Era: Global War on Terror
Campaign: 

Medals & Commendations: two Bronze Stars with “V” devices for valor; Purple Heart; Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor; two Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals; Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Battle “E” Ribbon; Navy “E” Ribbon; three Good Conduct Medals; National Defense Service Medal; two Afghanistan Campaign Medals; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Rifle Marksmanship Medal and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

Hometown: San Jose, CA – Barnstable, MA

Details:
SOC Houston was killed on August 6, 2011 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan when insurgents shot down a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, callsign Extortion 17. The greatest single-incident loss in Naval Special Warfare history, Extortion 17 is remembered for the 30 American lives lost, including SOC Houston.