Silver Star recipient sentenced to 5 months

Silver Star recipient sentenced to 5 months
By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 29, 2008 16:28:42 EDT

A search-and-rescue helicopter pilot and one of the heroes of Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in 2002 will spend the next five months in prison.

Capt. Thomas Cahill of the 561st Joint Tactics Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., pleaded guilty May 27 to several charges relating to off-base thefts and was sentenced to five months of confinement and a $10,000 fine. He could face another five months of confinement if he fails to pay the fine.

Cahill was awarded the Silver Star in February 2003 for rescuing three soldiers March 3, 2002, off a high mountain ridge in Afghanistan while his HH-60G Pave Hawk was under heavy enemy fire.

He was charged four years later with stealing a Yamaha YFZ450 valued in excess of $500; $5,729 from USAA, a financial and insurance company serving military members; two 24-foot car hauler trailers valued in excess of $500 each; and a Beisemeyer racing boat valued in excess of $500.

He also was charged with making a false official statement, conspiracy to commit larceny, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, knowingly receiving stolen property and obstructing justice.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/airforce_cahill_court_martial_052908w/