Thomas Kirkland

Air Commodore Thomas Kirkland (January 19, 1980-October 15, 2016) was a Rhodesian pilot and soldier in the Rhodesian Air Force and Rhodesian Special Air Service who served in the Zimbabwe Civil War and the Bosnia War.
Thomas initially was a Staff Sergent in the Rhodesian SAS and transferred to the Air Force in early 1999. He served in the 3rd Fighter Squadron and commanded the Sedgetou Islands Force Wing.
He participated in seven operations, two battles and one campaign and was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions during Operation Westward and the Medal of Honor for his acts of bravery during the Battle for Fort Smith during the Sedgetou Islands Campaign where he was killed in action. 
== Early life ==
Thomas was born on January 19, 1980 in Salisbury, Rhodesia. He met Ethan Chapman at the age of five at Mountainridge Elementary School. When Thomas was 12 he and his friend Ethan both wanted to join the RLI. At age 14 Thomas and Ethan join the JROTC and were the most decorated of their unit.
== Rhodesian SAS ==
During Thomas' time as Staff Sergeant in the SAS he was involved in two operations, Operation Spear and Operation Hammer. During Operation Hammer he fought alongside his friend Ethan who commanded the 1st Rhodesian Angolan Rifles Regiment. 
== Air Force service ==
Thomas served in the air force for sixteen years. During his time in the air force he was involved in five operations, two battles and one defensive campaign. During Operation Westward he was credited for taking down sixteen enemy fighters and was important for coordinating close air support and providing close air support. For his actions he was promoted to Air Commodore from Wing Commander and awarded the Air Force Cross. During the Sedgetou Islands Campaign he was evacuated from Fort Chapman to Fort Smith. During the Battle for Fort Smith he jumped into a F-22 Raptor and destroyed around five to nine enemy aircraft before he was shot down and killed on impact. For his actions he was awarded the first Medal of Honor after his friend and Counsel Ethan Chapman petitioned the parliament and Council of Rhodes for the creation of the Medal of Honor and to award him for his actions during the battle.
== Decorations ==
The Rhodesian government additionally honored Kirkland's war contributions with the Rhodesian Campaign Medal, the Bosnian Campaign Medal with 3 campaign stars, the Bosnian War Victory Medal and the Zimbabwe Victory Medal. Bosnia recognized his service with the Bosnia Liberation Medal, the Bosnian Hero of the Liberation and the Bosnian Gold Cross. In 2020, the Zimbabwe government awarded him the Hero of the Zimbabwe War Medal with a oak leaf.
== Medal of Honor ==
Rank and organization: Air Commodore, Sedgetou Islands Force Wing. Place and date: At Fort Smith. Sedgetou Islands, Rhodesia, October 15, 2016. Entered service at: Salisbury, S.P. Birth, Salisbury S.P. Date of Issue, May 1, 2017.
Citation:
While the enemies were attacking Fort Smith, Kirkland went into a plane and shot down five aircraft but unfortunately he was killed after he was shot down.
Category:Coryia People
Category:Military Person
Category:Person of Interest