CW3 Donavan “Bull” Briley grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from flight school in 1985 and joined the Army Reserve. Later that year, he was piloting Drug Enforcement Administration agents and state troopers on a marijuana detection mission when the helicopter crashed. He sustained burns and back injuries, but within four months, was back up flying.
He served the Army in South Korea before joining the 160th. He again displayed his courage and unwavering focus during action in Panama in 1989. His steady demeanor in the whirl of combat could be relied upon regardless of the intensity of the moment. He was truly a gifted pilot. His main interest was always studying for how he could better himself. He was always trying to be a better pilot.
He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry in action during combat operations in Mogadishu, Somalia on 3 October, 1993 in operation Gothic Serpent. His actions as the pilot of an assault into a highly contested urban objective were heroic. After a brilliant assault of the objective, he held his position and fought to support the ground forces during their actions. His aircraft, #324, was subsequently downed by enemy fire and, through his exceptional skill, the passengers’ lives were saved.
During his career, some of his awards include two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, two Air Medals with “V” devices, two Air Medals.
He was married to Sharri Briley and had one daughter, Jordan.
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