A U.S. soldier from Eagan was killed in a helicopter accident in December at a U.S. military base in South Korea.
Pvt. First Class Edwin Thomas,20, was a helicopter repairman at Camp Humphreys and was killed in the flight-related accident Dec. 19, according to a news release.
No details of the circumstances of the crash were provided, and an investigation is ongoing.
“Edwin was a valued member of the Nightmare Battalion family,” said Lt. Col. Anthony Snipes in a statement. “His smile was infectious, work ethic unparalleled and dedication to our mission unrivaled. We will honor our time with him as he left an indelible mark on our battalion and his company.”
Thomas was born in Kerala, India, and moved to the U.S. in December 2022, according to an obituary. He joined the Army in August 2023 to gain experience to eventually become a pilot.
During his service, he earned such decorations as the Army Aviation Badge, Korea Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
“Edwin was a pleasant, open-minded, passionate, tech-savvy, hardworking young man who was always willing to help those around him,” the obituary said.
Thomas will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery later this month. He is survived by his parents; his brother, David; stepbrother, Justin; and stepsister, Nissi.
![Rising above the treeline (Top of this photo), on the shore of Birch Lake, the Twin Metals Copper Nickel Mine Plant site and Tailings Management site is part of the proposed plan. ] In theory, the copper-nickel mine Twin Metals wants to build in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a zero-discharge mine -- a closed loop that will endlessly recycle millions of gallons of water, including rainwater and the polluted process water it uses to extract ore and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YHBTRGPTHTAE2QDYTS6YZ24OS4.jpg?&w=436&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
