Terence Hildner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Terence Hildner
|
|
|---|---|
Brigadier General Terence J. Hildner
|
|
| Born | February 20, 1962 New Haven, Connecticut |
| Died | February 3, 2012 (aged 49) Kabul, Afghanistan † |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1984–2012 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 23rd Quartermaster Brigade 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Iraq War War in Afghanistan (2001–present) |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Bronze Star (3) Defense Meritorious Service Medal Army Meritorious Service Medal (4) Joint Service Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal (5) Army Achievement Medal (2) |
Brigadier General Terence John Hildner (February 20, 1962 – February 3, 2012) was an important leader in the United States Army. He was a General Officer who commanded the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) from 2010 until he passed away in 2012. He was the second highest-ranking American officer to die while serving in the war in Afghanistan.
Contents
A Life of Service
Terence Hildner started his military journey after graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1984. He became an officer in the Armor branch, which deals with tanks and armored vehicles. His first job was at Fort Bliss, Texas.
In 1988, he moved to Germany and joined the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Here, he helped train soldiers and later led a group of ground cavalry troops.
Serving in Desert Storm
During his time leading troops, Hildner and his unit went to Saudi Arabia. They were part of a big attack into Kuwait and Iraq during a conflict called Operation Desert Storm. His unit also did the very last U.S. patrol along the border between East and West Germany before Germany became one country in 1990.
After these experiences, Hildner worked in different roles at Fort Hood, Texas. He helped manage money for the 2nd Armored Division. He also served as an aide-de-camp, which is like a personal assistant, to the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division.
New Roles and Deployments
Later, Hildner changed to the Quartermaster Corps. This part of the Army deals with supplies, equipment, and logistics. He then went to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and graduated in 1997.
As a lieutenant colonel, Hildner took command of a special battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. This battalion deployed twice under his leadership.
- Deployment to Iraq: The first deployment was to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His battalion provided important supplies and support to other units. They worked around Joint Base Balad and the Abu Ghraib prison complex.
- Helping Hurricane Katrina Victims: The second deployment was to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina. His unit provided both military and humanitarian support.
Leading and Training Soldiers
From 2007 to 2009, Hildner commanded the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade at Fort Lee, Virginia. He was in charge of training over 20,000 Quartermaster Soldiers every year. After that, he worked as a director for training for the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM).
On August 19, 2010, he took command of the 13th Sustainment Command. He then went to Afghanistan from his base at Fort Hood in Texas.
His Passing
Brigadier General Hildner passed away on February 3, 2012, in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was the second highest-ranking American officer to die during the Afghan war.
His funeral was held on February 29, 2012, in Virginia. Many senior military leaders attended the service. Hildner was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a special cemetery where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Awards and Honors
Terence Hildner received many awards for his service and bravery.
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal (with two oak leaf clusters)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters)
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal (with four oak leaf clusters)
- Army Achievement Medal (with one oak leaf cluster)
- Valorous Unit Award
- National Defense Service Medal (with one service star)
- Southwest Asia Service Medal (with three service stars)
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
Other Recognitions
- 2006: Received the Military Distinguished Order of Saint Martin (for the Army Quartermaster Corps).
- 2011: Named a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment.
- 2012: Added to the Quartermaster Hall of Fame.
Images for kids
-
Combat Action Badge
-
Parachutist Badge
