American colonel Allison Black, known as ‘The Angel of Death,’ retired last Friday after accumulating over 2,000 hours in combat missions leading the US Armed Forces. Black, who began her Air Force career as a survival instructor, handed over command of the 1st Special Operations Wing in Florida and plans to retire later this year.
Black gained her nickname during the battle of Kunduz, Afghanistan, in 2001, shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As a first lieutenant, she played a crucial role in relaying information from an AC-130 gunship to Special Forces on the ground, earning praise for her precision and quick thinking.
During the mission, Black spotted a vehicle approaching the Special Forces team’s location and alerted them to the potential threat. Her calm and accurate communication under pressure solidified her reputation as ‘The Angel of Death’ among her colleagues.
Black’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished 32-year career in the Air Force, leaving behind a legacy in Air Force and special warfare history. Her contributions to modern combat and her milestone as a female leader in the military will be remembered for years to come.