Hit in an Intense Blackhawk Firefight, Loses a Leg, & Returns to Active Duty

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In July 2011, Technical Sergeant August O’Niell, a pararescueman, was sent to rescue a group of Marines pinned down in Afghanistan when enemy insurgents opened fire on his team’s helicopter.
A round bounced off the helicopter’s door, tearing through both of O’Niell’s lower legs and critically wounding his left. Over the next 3 1/2 years, doctors performed 20 surgeries as they tried to save the limb. In near constant pain, and with the surgeries not yielding the desired results, O'Niell told the doctors to remove his leg.
After countless hours of rehab, and an unwavering determination to rejoin his pararescue brethren, August O'Niell would become the first amputee to serve as a pararescueman on active duty in the United States Air Force.
Interview recorded on November 3, 2022
Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas
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[@herrgodfrey9563]

Despite a lot of the flak we soldiers give the air force, the PJs and Combat Controllers are amongst the most badass and capable operators from ANY branch. God bless, Tech Sergeant.

[@leannamurphy7538]

So freaking proud of you Auggy! That was a scary day when I heard you had been hit, so glad you are still here and doing what you love to do. ❤️🇺🇸

[@shinrin-yoku3877]

I think the fact they taped his necklace around his neck is just so heartwarming ❤️

[@ivanlowjones]

I had a few Air Force PJ's go through my airborne school class at Ft. Benning back in the 80's. PJ's and Combat Controllers are some of the few Air Force guys for whom we had great respect. Those dudes are straight up badasses.

[@apburner1]

That's weird. I have great respect for my fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines... no matter what job they do.

[@ivanlowjones]

@@apburner1 You must be Space Force or Coast Guard.🙄

[@standwatiesson]

Thank you for your service

[@desertrat6075]

TSgt, your tenacity in the face of such adversity is unbelievable. I had the honor of serving with a BK amputee in the Army who fought to remain active and we deployed together to Iraq where he erased any doubt that he was capable of doing his job in an austere environment. I wish you and your family the best as you continue to serve our great nation. Keep up the fight, Brother. "These things we do, that others may live".

[@ponygirlusa]

🙏😥 Thank you🇺🇸💪

[@pedrogunner9750]

Ahh man, I’m so grateful for my time in the community. Flying everyday and being a part of helping someone who’s having the worst day of their life is extremely humbling and fulfilling! Plus the people in rescue are worth their weight in gold! TOML 🚁👣🇺🇸

[@felixcat9318]

An immensely courageous and dignified man.

[@rockstarJDP]

Glad you're back Greg, the interviews are much more fluid and contextualised with you in them! Great vid as always 👌

[@georgeesquivel8623]

Thx for your service 🙏 👍 ❤ 🙌

[@skimmer8774]

Now that's bravery. I could never be that fit so thank God for people like you. 1st Lt. 02 ( Skimmer) USAF ret.

[@froginthewaves8450]

Thank you for your service! Inspiring story!

[@jamesp1045]

An amazing story. You are very inspiring sir. My God bless and thank you for your service

[@j1st633]

Great story.

[@cregister8353]

Thank you so much for your service. So glad you were able to return.

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and service to answer the call to serve ❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️💪

[@stegr1103]

Thank you very much for your service.

[@nkill6]

Thank you for telling your story

[@speederscout]

COMPLETE inspiration.

[@jaywalker3087]

There's a British WW11 pilot who lost both legs in a flying accident. He pushed on and became a Spitfire pilot. He flew against the German's in many battles whilst running his crew as their commander. Hey man, don't Stop- keep Rokin'. I'm ex RAF myself and appreciate what you did, and do now. Thanks so much buddy. Bless You,,,,,,,,,,,

[@neglectfulsausage7689]

We need to create more handicap accessible war tools so people in wheelchairs can drive into combat and shoot from their ALVs (armored legless Vehicles).

[@pixiniarts]

Douglas Bader was the WW2 pilots name.

[@anlerden4851]

Thank You so much for your service Dear American Sir.😊😇🥰😍🤗❤🤍💙🙏💪👍🙏✝☦☮

[@sammartin7467]

What a young man.

[@niteowl52001]

Sgt O'Niell. I am proud to know 2 PJ's and they are incredible warriors. You are an incredible warrior and an asset to our country. God Bless you

[@travelinman70]

I read about that case of burning. I was in camp phoenix when the news came out.

[@beardedboon]

Thank you August!

[@zbruteforce]

Amazing story. What a truly strong man!

[@alexandertaylor1225]

Fantastic interview thank you.

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Thank you for your service...time and chance happens to all.

[@Convoycrazy]

Great interview. 🇺🇸 Never give up! Never surrender! Good luck in future competitions.

[@joshuarogers8690]

You brother are a bad ass. Keep going on.

[@ridgebhouse]

Your my hero please stay healthy! God bless August🥹

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Great video

[@I_can_Shoot_77]

16:55 - 17:05 someone farted No Lie!! Sounds great in surround sound

[@umendra]

These things We Do so Others May Live! “Hooyah Sargeant.. I feel fine! 👌🏻

[@3-2bravo49]

I was just to the east of him in the horn of panjwai at that time. Needless to say, things were busy.

[@johnhickman106]

The title says “Blackhawk.” He was in an HH-60G “Pavehawk.”

[@MrToasterWaffles]

It’s a derivative of the black hawk

[@johnhickman106]

@@MrToasterWaffles I'm aware of what it is. It's not a Blackhawk. It's a Pave Hawk. It's like calling an AC-130J or an MC-130J a Hercules, just because its a "derivative." We didn't call MH-53J/Ms Stallions, we called them Pave Lows. Navy 60s aren't Blackhawks either, we call them Sea Hawks. Ask ANY HH-60G flyer/maintainer what it is. They won't say Blackhawk.

[@MrToasterWaffles]

@@johnhickman106 ok

[@jeremywells9019]

Sir you didn't have a breakdown. You had a religious experience. You were born again hard and became stronger than you were before.

[@scottprather5645]

What kind of round was that 50 cal? Anyway, respect to this service man. war sucks I pray for the day that humanity can evolve beyond the need for conflict

[@armchairemperor4777]

16:59 lol snapped out 🤫

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

"Ended up taking care of the father" Yeah, I can imagine the outrage involved in that.

[@netravler1]

What level of "Tough, Badass" can you label men who go in a rescue SEALs and spec-ops guys? Holy Smokes. P.J.s are the epitome of the term, "Silent Professionals".

[@ponygirlusa]

It's beyond understanding what these men with @#$_& of steel are able to accomplish under such stress and terror. Witnessing events again and again most civilians can't even fathom like what that monster did to his kid and then trying to resume duties business as usual has to be extremely hard. That this man did so much to save others and then won medals upon medals in competitions is not surprising. He looks like a super hero. Big, strapping guy. I bet his family is so grateful he survived that horrible war. He is everything you'd hope to encounter if someone was sent to rescue you. Both before and after his lower leg being taken off. He's the real deal. ❣️🙏🇺🇸💪🏼🦅🥰

[@mistergarrison7559]

💯

[@gregorygaunt9353]

TOML!

[@kiwi_comanche]

Sangin Valley Gun Club sound off.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Manly yelling lol! God love him, I think at that point even girly yelling is allowed.

[@ponygirlusa]

Exactly! He's such a BADASS and with a great sense of humor, too 🥰💪🏼

[@peterruiz6117]

A "man" burned his own boy, in order to get on the chopper...To blast himself, I guess....These stories of sick, murderous guys who will kill their own children....Besides how they abuse women, just increadible how savage humanity can be. What a world.

[@thithiemtran2711]

Woman thanhk okthanhk

[@neglectfulsausage7689]

dont go into other peoples countries.

[@dr.trollingall9622]

Thank you. 🙏