U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Stuart Searles
1984
Stuart J. Searles served the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years. Stuart also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Stuart served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Sergeant Stuart Searles was killed in a helicopter crash while assisting with search and recovery efforts after a tornado caused heavy damage to the town of Barneveld, Iowa County, Wisconsin. The F5 tornado struck the town on June 8th, 1984, killing nine people. Sergeant Searles was detailed to fly the Wisconsin governor above the devastation the day after the tornado. On June 10th he was again requested to respond to the area to assist with recovery efforts. While en route to the area the Hiller UH-12E helicopter experienced an electrical malfunction that caused the battery to explode as it flew approximately 75 feet above ground, near Merrimac, Wisconsin. Sergeant Searles was able to maneuver the aircraft to an area without bystanders. The aircraft exploded upon impact with the ground, killing Sergeant Searles instantly. Sergeant Searles was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and had served with the Sauk County Sheriff's Department for five years. He had previously served with the Windham County, Vermont, Sheriff's Office for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
1965 – 1968
U.S. Marine Corps
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Sauk County Sheriff's Department
Sergeant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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