One of the two men who flew the CH-46 helicopters in the mission to rescue Pfc. Jessica Lynch from a hospital in Nasiriya in central Iraq was identified as Col. Stuart Knoll, a graduate of UW-Madison and a native of Chippewa Falls, Wis.
His co-pilot, Major Michael Wall, is also from Chippewa Falls. Knoll told The Chippewa Herald that he did not realize both he and Wall were from Chippewa Falls.
\When I was flying back to our base on the USS Boxer and looked over at my co-pilot I realized that the two of us were both from Chippewa Falls and had just taken part in a very significant mission,"" Knoll said.
Knoll graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree. He serves as the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 16. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, joint Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
""I think many times people in small towns may feel that they have little or no contact with major world events. This time Chippewa Falls had some representation,"" he said. ""I only wish we had a couple of Leinie's to toast with after the mission.""
