Sergeant Nickolas A. Mueller died 26 October 2009 when his MH-47G Chinook helicopter, #747, crashed while under enemy fire conducting military operations in western Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

SGT Mueller was born 21 June 1983. He was a native of Little Chute, Wisconsin, and volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in June 2004. Following Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, SGT Mueller served with the 2-52nd Aviation Battalion at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, as a Medium Helicopter Repairer. In 2007, he successfully assessed with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and was assigned to 3rd Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. While at 3rd Battalion, SGT Mueller served as a Helicopter Mechanic in Delta Company and as a Flight Engineer in Bravo Company.

He was a combat veteran with three deployments, all in support of the Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

SGT Mueller was a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course, Enlisted Green Platoon, Combatives Level 1, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Course.

SGT Mueller’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Aviation Badge and Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Carbine). He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and Combat Action Badge.

SGT Mueller is survived by his parents, Larry and Sharon and his brother, John. He is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, Site 9196 and also at group burial site 9522. Building #8013 at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, is dedicated in his honor as Mueller Hall.