Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset Friday in honor of Sgt. Cade Michael Wolfe’s memorial.
Wolfe, a native of Mankato, Minn., was killed in an aircraft crash during a training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea in November.
He died on Nov. 10, two days after he turned 24, according to his obituary.
The four other service members who died in the crash were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tenn.; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, Calif.; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, N.H.; and Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Ariz.
The five were all part of the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
The fallen soldiers were highly decorated, with multiple combat deployments in addition to responding to deployments with no notice, sent overseas to respond quickly to various national security needs.
“Minnesota is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Cade Michael Wolfe, a Minnesotan who dedicated himself to selflessly serving our nation and keeping our country safe,” Walz said in a statement released on Thursday. “With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Sgt. Cade Michael Wolfe for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his state and country. His family, loved ones and community are in our prayers.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags.
Wolfe, the son of Scott Wolfe and Julia Molden, graduated from Mankato East High School and immediately went to serve in the U.S. Army in 2018, according to his obituary.
He enlisted as a UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer and upon completing advanced training was assigned to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.
In 2022, Wolfe was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After completing the Regiments extensive training and assessment program, Green Platoon, he served as an MH-60M Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) Basic Mission Qualified Crew Chief, his obituary states.
Wolfe’s awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Services Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Basic Aviation Badge.
In November, the military’s European Command said the MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that the five men were on went down during an air refueling mission as part of military training.
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command said the five Army aviation special operations forces were each a “national treasure” whose loss cut deeply.
In addition to his parents and stepparents, Wolfe is survived by his wife, Danielle Wolfe, and extended family members including his brother, Cooper Wolfe.
“Cade was loved by all who met him and made a remarkable impact on each and every one of us. He will be greatly missed and honored by us all forever,” the obituary states.
There will be a celebration of life held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Mankato National Guard Armory, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Wolfe’s obituary. Military honors will be provided by C/1-160th SOAR (Abn). A social hour event will immediately follow at The Venue, 1850 Madison Ave., Mankato.
“All are welcome to join Cade’s family and loved ones to honor him,” his obituary states.
Livestreaming will be available on Wolfe’s obituary page at mankatomortuary.com.
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