Bowie Man Dies Serving With US Army In Iraq

FORT HOOD, TEXAS — A Bowie man who was serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Inherent Resolve has died, according to a Defense Department release.

Sgt. 1st Class John David Randolph Hilty, 44, from Bowie, Maryland, died Tuesday in Erbil, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident. The incident remains under investigation

In April 1999, Hilty entered the Army as an Army combat engineer. The Bowie resident was a petroleum supply specialist. assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

“TF ATTACK is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Hilty. He was an exceptional leader who will be sorely missed throughout the entire formation. His loss will not be forgotten and his legacy will continue through the outstanding performance of the Soldiers he led,” said Lt. Col. Adam Camarano, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade commander.

Hilty's deployments included three tours to Afghanistan from January 2009 to December 2009, January 2012 to December 2012, October 2016 to October 2017 and most recently to Iraq in October 2019.

Hilty’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 7 and NATO Medal.

"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of another brave Marylander, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class John Hilty, who lost his life this week while serving in Iraq," said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, in a statement posted on his Twitter account. "We ask Marylanders to join us in praying for all who loved him and all who fought beside him."

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of another brave Marylander, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class John Hilty, who lost his life this week while serving in Iraq. We ask Marylanders to join us in praying for all who loved him and all who fought beside him. https://t.co/MUZrevM97a
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) April 2, 2020