The Nepal Army on Wednesday bestowed the ‘Bravery Medal’ to six United States Marines, who were killed in a chopper crash while helping with the rescue and relief distribution following the April 25, 2015 devastating earthquake, in recognition of their contribution during the disaster.

A U.S. Marines UH-1 'Huey' helicopter on a rescue mission had crashed at Ghorthali of Sindhupalchok on May 12, killing six Marines, two Nepali soldiers and five survivors of earthquake.

Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri presented the medals to military attaché at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Lieutenant Colonel Gregory D Pipes amid a ceremony.

CoAS Chhetri, during the occasion, presented various awards and medals to Nepal Army officials martyred in the line of duty.

A report prepared by the joint task force formed under Nepal Army Brigadier General Pilot Sudheer Shrestha to investigate the crash of US military helicopter had blamed the geography and inclement weather for the mishap. 

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