Sergeant Christopher M. Erberich died on 1 June 2006 when his MH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed near Doerun, Georgia during a training flight from his unit's home station at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, to Fort Rucker, Alabama.

SGT Erberich was born on 10 October 1980 in Oceanside, California. He earned his Graduation Equivalency Diploma in 1998 from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. He then received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from ITT, also in Boise.

SGT Erberich volunteered for service in the U.S. Army on 3 January 2001 as a Helicopter Repairman. After completing Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, he was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Training Company in August 2001. Upon completion of the Basic Mission Qualification Course, SGT Erberich was assigned to 3rd Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, where he served as a Helicopter Repairman and then as an MH-47D Flight Engineer.

A seven-time veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, SGT Erberich deployed six times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and once in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.

SGT Erberich's military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course, Basic Mission Qualification Course, and the Heavy Helicopter Repairman Course.

SGT Erberich's awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/1 OLC), National Defense Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Aviation Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

SGT Erberich is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his parents, Michael and Teresa. He is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 64, Site 2206.