AR HR1013

On September 19, 1980, a Titan 374-7 missile experienced a fuel leak at the Damascus, Arkansas silo after Senior Airman David Powell dropped an 8.75-pound socket that pierced the fuel tank.

Several airmen, including Senior Airman David L. Livingston and Sergeant Jeff Kennedy, returned to the silo to attempt containing the fuel vapors; the silo exploded around 3:00 a.m., injuring 21 people and killing Livingston from gas poisoning.

The 308th Titan II Strategic Missile Wing operated nearly one-third of the nation's Titan missiles, with 18 missiles stationed across Arkansas locations beginning in the 1960s, each with thermonuclear warheads 1,700 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

Colonel James L. Morris and missile commander Captain Michael Mazzaro remained at the site attempting to control the leak, with Colonel Jimmie Gray later locating the warhead 200 yards from the silo after it was blown 1,000 feet into the air.

The House of Representatives recognizes the sacrifices of the 308th Titan II Strategic Missile Wing and honors their service; a copy of the resolution shall be provided to Little Rock Air Force Base.