US Navy Chief Petty Officer Christian Michael Pike, died on 13th March 2013 from injuries he received during combat operations in Maiwand, Afghanistan. CPO Pike, aged 31, was evacuated to Landstuhl in Germany after being wounded on 10th March. Sadly, he died while being treated at Landstuhl.
CPO Pike, from Arizona, served with a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit. He joined the US Navy in August 2001. After completing cryptologic training at Corry Station in April 2003, he served aboard the USS Cleveland from May 2003 to July 2007, followed by a tour at the Navy Information Operations Command San Diego from July 2007 to July 2011. He joined the Naval Special Warfare unit in July 2011.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, GWOT Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal.
He is survived by his mother Diana, sister Denise and fiancée Morgan. His mother paid this tribute: "Christian was so proud to be a Navy Chief with the Special Warfare community, and he was living honorably, a life he chose. "He wouldn't have it any other way, and neither would I."