Accession Number: C.2020.71.1
Dimensions: 33 in X 36 in
Dimensions (Metric): 83.82 cm X 91.44 cm
Credit Line: Anonymous gift
Description
American flag, folded. On the left trim is handwritten: "5/1/11 | Geronimo 'NS'."
Historical Notes
On May 1, 2011, at 10:30 p.m. local time, two blackhawk helicopters piloted by Army aviators transported 23 SEALs, an interpreter, and a combat dog from a U.S. base in Jalalabad, Afghanistan to Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbotabad, Pakistan. Two additional Chinook helicopters followed into Pakistan with extra fuel and a backup force. The pilot of one of those helicopters wore this flag wrapped around the protective front plate that was part of his flight gear. Often, special operations forces will bring flags with them on missions as keepsakes.