Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible: A Ferocious Harrier Pilot to the End

Defended His Base against RPG Attack with a Pistol

When 15 insurgents dressed as American soldiers infiltrated Camp Bastion Afghanistan in 2012, Raible grabbed his pistol and raced out to defend the camp while directing fellow Marines in a counter attack. A total of 9 Harrier jets were destroyed in the ensuing battle with multiple soldiers wounded. Seeing an insurgent wielding an RPG, Raible and fellow Marines disabled the insurgent causing his RPG to misfire. The resulting explosion killed Raible and Sgt. Bradley Atwell while wounding many others. Christopher Raible’s sacrifice that night resulted in many lives being saved and ultimately showed that whether he flew a Harrier or was on the ground, he was a man to be reckoned with. I met a Harrier pilot recently who suggested I do this story and so in honor of a brave American Patriot: Thank you Christopher Raible for the inspiration you were to other Americans.

You are gone from us too soon, but your Valor lives forever. Valor is in you. Set it free.