Rank Insignia Previous Honoree ID Next Honoree ID


   
honoree image
First Name: Michael

Last Name: Acklin

Birthplace: KY, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Middle Name: D.



Date of Birth: 14 January 1978

Date of Death: 15 November 2003

Rank: Sergeant

Years Served:
Michael D. Acklin II
'Mikie'

   
Engagements:
•  Iraq War (Operation Iraqi Freedom) (2003 - 2011)

Biography:

Michael D. Acklin II
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Michael D. Acklin II was born on 14 January 1978, in Kentucky, to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Acklin. He was their only child.

Michael was a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, KY, and, in November 2003, he was a Sergeant assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery on deployment in Iraq. On 15 November 2003, Acklin was one of seventeen soldiers who died when two Black Hawk helicopters collided in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Acklin, known as "Mikie" to family and friends, was remembered for his quiet peace, big heart, strong character, devotion and loyalty. "Unrealized dreams and aspirations have been dashed by this untimely death," said his pastor, Bishop Michael E. Ford Sr. Acklin aspired to attend Bible college after the Army, Ford said, and the young sergeant "fought the good fight of a soldier and he fought the good fight of faith."

Acklin's family and friends stood and saluted his flag-draped coffin during his funeral at Christ Temple Apostolic Church. During the funeral, his parents were presented with the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart that was awarded their son, posthumously.

Death and Burial

Sergeant Michael D. Acklin II was killed in action on 15 November 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is buried at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY, in Section C, Site 878.



Honoree ID: 2034   Created by: MHOH

Ribbons


Medals


Badges


Honoree Photos

honoree imagehonoree imagehonoree image

honoree imagehonoree image

honoree image

Remembrances


Tributes