Donald Herman Heitkamp
1986
Donald Herman Heitkamp. Donald served during the years of the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Senior Airman Donald Heitkamp, Airman First Class Barry Holmes, Staff Sergeant Charles Huskey, and their two pilots were killed when their UH-1 helicopter crashed shortly after 3:00 pm, near Bear Butte State Park, South Dakota.
They were providing security for a missile maintenance movement for a convoy from Ellsworth AFB to Opal when the accident occurred. An additional Security Policeman who was participating in the security of the convoy was the only sole survivor of the crash.
Senior Airman Heitkamp served with the United States Air Force Security Forces for less than three and a half years and was assigned to the 45th Missle Security Squadron.
They were providing security for a missile maintenance movement for a convoy from Ellsworth AFB to Opal when the accident occurred. An additional Security Policeman who was participating in the security of the convoy was the only sole survivor of the crash.
Senior Airman Heitkamp served with the United States Air Force Security Forces for less than three and a half years and was assigned to the 45th Missle Security Squadron.
Keepsakes
Service Record
Also Served
United States Air Force Security Forces
Senior Airman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqby7pgbqfx0057kf6km
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
September 9, 2026
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