Chief Warrant Officer Thomas M. McNulty, 58, of East Greenwich, R.I., and member of the 1-126th Aviation, passed away on April 14, 2015 at his family’s home in Braintree, Mass. Throughout his military career, McNulty distinguished himself by meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to his country in times of war and peace for more than 30 years, highlighted by four overseas deployments. In 1984, McNulty attended Warrant Officer Training and Flight School at Fort Rucker, A.L. and then began his active duty career with the 101st Airborne Division. He distinguished himself as an AH-1 pilot in command training fellow aviators for the battalion’s transformation to the modern day AH-64 attack helicopter. On April 26, 1990, McNulty was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism for his actions following a mid-air collision with another AH-64. Never accepting defeat and with total disregard for his safety, McNulty rescued a trapped pilot of the other aircraft while it was consumed in fire. Upon recovering and moving the injured pilot to safety, McNulty passed out from his own injuries sustained from the accident and rescue. His dedication to unit success was highly noted amongst his unit leadership during his first deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm where he served as the armament platoon leader charged with keeping the battalion’s attack assets in the fight. His unwavering leadership resulted in the AH-64 weapon systems performing flawlessly in all combat operations.
Compelled to continue his service after leaving active duty, McNulty joined the United States Army Reserve as a UH-1 pilot assigned to B Company 4-158th Aviation, and then continued his service with the Maine Army National Guard. During his tenure, McNulty trained junior pilots and
Iraqi Freedom. During his second combat deployment, his knowledge and leadership were relied on heavily to execute Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations in support of the ground invasion of Iraq. In 2008, he transferred to the Rhode Island Army National Guard to serve as a MEDEVAC pilot in Detachment 1, 249th Medical Company. He provided valuable knowledge and experience as the unit began its transition from the UH-1 to the UH-60 Blackhawk. In 2011, McNulty deployed for the third time in support of combat operations to Afghanistan serving as the safety officer for his MEDEVAC Company. McNulty’s last assignment as the Safety Officer and Instructor Pilot for Company F 1-126th Aviation is a testament to the respect and admiration the unit has for him and his expertise. Over the course of his incredible Army Aviation career, McNulty selflessly served in three overseas armed conflicts, a peace keeping operation, multiple training deployments, and has flown 3860 flight hours, with 361 of those hours in combat. Army Aviation suffers from prepared them for aircraft modern- the loss of McNulty but thanks to ization. his unwavering devotion to Army In 1998, he qualified in the UH- Aviation, his loss is more than 60 Blackhawk, his seventh airframe compensated by the multitude of qualification. Upon completion he Soldiers, officers and aviators who became the safety officer of the are better trained and combat ready. 112th Medical Company charged McNulty epitomizes the Ameriwith overseeing the safe execution can Fighting Soldier, Officer and of aviation operations during a Aviator. ■ deployment to Bosnia, his second of four overseas deployments. In 2003 McNulty answered his country’s call to service when he deployed in support of Operation Rhode Island National Guard |21