CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Two 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash last week on San Clemente Island, California.

Staff Sgt. Vincent P. Marketta, 33, and Sgt. Tyler M. Shelton, 22, died Aug. 27, according to an Army news release. They were injured in an aircraft accident while conducting aviation training, the release said.

“The loss of Staff Sgt. Marketta and Sgt. Shelton has left a scar in this regiment that will never completely heal,” said Col. Andrew R. Graham, commander of the 160th. “Their level of dedication to the 160th SOAR and their exemplary service in the Army is the embodiment of what it means to be a Night Stalker and a soldier. Our priority now is to ensure the families of our fallen warriors receive our complete support as we work through this tragedy together.”

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is a tenant unit at Fort Campbell.

Staff Sgt. Vincent P. Marketta

Marketta, a native of Brick, New Jersey, enlisted in the Army in 2011, as a 15T UH-60 Black Hawk repairer. He was assigned to the 160th in 2012. He spent 18 months as an aircraft repairer in 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR. In 2014, Marketta remained in 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR for service as an MH-60M crew chief.

While assigned to the 160th, Marketta deployed to Afghanistan and deployed multiple times to Iraq.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday to honor Marketta.

“Staff Sergeant Marketta’s passing is devastating to our state and our country,” Murphy said, according to the Asbury Park Press. “He dedicated his life to protecting his fellow Americans, and his loss will not be forgotten.”

Marketta’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with V device; Air Medal with C device; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal with C device (2OLC); Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (1OLC); Army Good Conduct Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star); Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2); Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Action Badge; and the Basic Aviator’s Badge.

Sgt. Tyler M. Shelton

Shelton, a native of San Bernardino, California, enlisted in the Army in 2016, as a 15T UH-60 Black Hawk repairer. He was assigned to the 160th in 2017. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR, where he spent eight months as an MH-60M repairer. In 2018, Shelton remained in 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR for service as an MH-60M crew chief.

While assigned to 160th, Shelton deployed to Afghanistan.

A fundraiser is under way to help Shelton’s family with bills.

“Although Tyler’s services are covered, there is still a house payment and bills that his wife Alex now has to try and cover all alone,” said Donald Williams of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who organized the Support for Tyler’s Family page on GoFundMe.

Shelton’s awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; and the Basic Aviator’s Badge.

Both Marketta and Shelton will receive the Meritorious Service Medal posthumously.