Capt. Mark Thomas Resh, born July 22, 1978 in Allentown, PA. Graduated from Northwestern-Lehigh HS. Attained the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from the University of Pittsburg.

Silver Star Narrative

CPT Mark T. Resh and CWO3 Cornell C. Chao

4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment
1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Multi-National Division (Baghdad)

CPT Mark T. Resh and CW3 Cornell C. Chao distinguished themselves by exhibiting gallantry in action and exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of an enemy attack while serving as an AH-64D Longbow Apache crew for 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On 28 January 2007, CPT Resh and CW3 Chao responded to coalition troops in contact with enemy forces near the city of An Najaf, Iraq. Facing an unknown enemy and unclear friendly situation, they quickly developed the situation with their team, working with United States Special Operations Forces and United States Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to determine the Coalition force positions and formulate a plan of attack against an adaptable, well armed, dug in enemy.

At approximately 1317 hours, CPT Resh and CW3 Chao’s team valorously made its initial attack into the target area. They quickly realized their wingman, the lead aircraft, was in a perilous position, as friendly ground forces reported that their team of Apaches was being engaged by heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades. Without hesitation, they maneuvered their aircraft to attack the enemy positions that were engaging their team, and their Coalition brothers on the ground. During this attack CPT Resh and CW3 Chao’s wingman reported taking fire from a truck-mounted heavy machine gun. Without hesitation, CPT Resh and WC3 Chao courageously oriented towards the enemy and began searching for the heavy machine gun which was engaging their wingman. With great audacity and skill, they descended to clear their own fires away from their wingman’s aircraft and draw the enemy’s attention away from their comrades. As the trail aircraft of the team, this was their mission- to cover their wingman- and they completed that mission heroically and without regard to their own personal safety.

CPT Resh and CW3 Chao placed their aircraft squarely and fearlessly in the enemy’s line of fire. Under a fusillade of enemy fire, they valorously maintained their aircraft oriented on the target, returning fire until their wingman was safely out of danger. Successfully, selflessly, and heroically they gave their wingman the time and space necessary to maneuver clear of the engagement area until the two of them and their aircraft were mortally wounded by the relentless enemy fire, at approximately 1330 hours. CPT Resh and CW3 Chao selflessly gave their lives to protect their wingman and the Coalition forces on the ground they were supporting.

CPT Resh and CW3 Chao’s undaunted courage in the skies of An Najaf, Iraq greatly contributed to the success of the Multi-National Division-Baghdad that day. From start to finish, their courage, skill, and devotion to duty and their fellow Soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of intrepid valor during aerial flight. Their actions were nothing less than heroic and embody the warrior ethos by their selfless Courage. Their performance of duty reflects great credit upon themselves, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, the Multinational Division-Baghdad, and the United States Army.

CPT Mark T. Resh is from Fogelsville, PA. Resh received his commission and joined the Army on 19 May 2001. Resh’s duty assignments include 1-501st AVN REGT in Hanau Germany and 4-227th ARB at Fort Hood, TX. His duty positions include Platoon Leader, HHC Executive Officer, and the Battalion S4. Resh was a man of very few words. But he moved mountains none-the-less. He was quiet and patient, and went about his daily work without complaint.

CW3 Cornell C. Chao is from Orange; CA. Chao enlisted in the Army on 8 July 1989 and served 10 years as an Infantryman. He reported to fight school in July 1999. Chao arrived at Fort Hood on 5 Sept. 2001 as an Apache Pilot. His assignments include B Troop 6-6 CAV, 1-501st AVN REGT and 4-227th ARB at Fort Hood, TX. He served in the Army for 18 years. Chao was an important member of Bravo Company family. He was a source of both wisdom and humor. He was quiet, patient, professional and dedication to his job.

CPT Mark T. Resh and CW3 Cornell C. Chao are our heroes and will never be forgotten!