Navy Federal Credit Union

Keith Yoakum’s father was a veteran of the Korean War. In 2005 Keith Yoakum, an avid aviator professionally and privately, nominated to fly for the Army’s prestigious Golden Knights parachute team. He turned down the opportunity in order to go to Iraq. Keith Yoakum’s fraternal twin retired from the military shortly before Keith’s death. The three Yaokum brothers had purchased 51 acres in Alabama and had started building a hangar along with a landing strip, evidence of their passion for flying. Keith Yoakum was subsequently buried on that plot of land.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Four

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    227th Aviation Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    February 2, 2007

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2013-03 (March 15, 2013)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer Four Keith Yoakum, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum distinguished himself as a Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter on 2 February 2007 while engaged in aerial operations in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During a reconnaissance mission, Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum’s aircraft was seriously damaged by heavy enemy machine gun fire, which required him to land immediately. Without regard for his own safety and to protect his comrades, Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum chose to remain with his wingman to destroy the enemy. With his main gun inoperable, his only option was to climb in altitude and then dive while firing his Apache’s rockets. Ultimately the aircraft succumbed to its battle damage and crashed. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum’s distinctive accomplishments and dedication to service to his country are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.