CPT Hampton Research Paper

Kimberly Hampton will always be known for her accomplishments such as an honors graduate at the Presbyterian College she attended and as a tennis player to be undefeated. But more importantly, she will never be forgotten as the first female pilot to die during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. At the time, CPT Hampton was a OH-58 Kiowa Warrior pilot when she was fatally shot down on January 2, 2004 by a surface to air missile that hit the tail boom of her aircraft. She personally chose to fly this mission which was to provide security over watch for ground troops who were performing a cordon and search just outside Fallujah, Iraq.

CPT Hampton was born in Greenville, North Carolina on 18 August 1976. She was the only living child of Dale and Ann Hampton. CPT Hampton led an exemplary life even before she joined the Army, as she was not only the second woman to serve as the battalion commander in her ROTC unit but also the captain for her
CPT Kimberly Hampton “was doing what she enjoyed doing. She trained well, and she felt it an honor to serve her country”, said Ann Hampton. CPT Hampton’s funeral service was held at Rock Springs Baptist church where over 1,200 people and including hundreds of veterans attended the ceremonial service. CPT Hampton was buried with full military honors and posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Purple Heart.

CPT Hampton may have gone and passed, but her legacy will never be forgotten. In 2005 South Carolina named highway 88 in honor of her. Then in 2006, the Presbyterian College began presenting scholarships to students in the ROTC also in her name. “Our world is so much in need of heroes, she is a hero”, said President of the Presbyterian