Legendary Action

** WAR STORIES **

THESE AIR FORCE SPECIAL TACTICS AIRMEN RECEIVED AMERICA’S HIGHEST HONORS FOR HEROISM AND GALANTRY IN ACTION.

1945 2015

LEGENDARY ACTION

A collection of stories about the U.S. Air Force’s Silent Warriors engaged in ground combat. For more than seventy years, a small band of Air Commando’s has quietly operated at the eye of raging storms. Beginning with Operation VARSITY, near the end of World War II and continuing through today's Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), the mission of this obscure band of silent warriors is to provide command, control and order to American and coalition air-power storming into the chaos of a combat airhead. Today these quiet professionals continue to operate at the bloody tip of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) spear, on godforsaken battlefields around the world.

Earlier books about these battlefield airmen concentrated on a wide range of historical events, including humanitarian operations. The purpose of this book is to concentrate on the deeds of legendary combat actions performed by special tactics warriors.

These stories were collected from official Public Affairs released articles; articles in the public domain.

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The Combat Control story began with the appearance of the first CCTs; teams cobbled together by the U.S. Army Air Force for the invasion of Germany, in OPERATION VARSITY. The story continues into the 21st Century and the fight in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

At graduation from Combat Control School, students are awarded the Scarlet Beret.

Combat Control School Heritage Foundation (CCSHF)

Combat Control School Campus, Pope Field, NC Main building, at circle drive houses classrooms, a medical facility, cadre offices, locker rooms, Benini Heritage Museum and logistics support office. Building at left-rear has SCUBA training pool, and work out area. Building right-rear is a live- fire small-arms range.

Legendary Action Stories about America’s Silent Warriors; their actions, their sacrifices and their honors.

1945 – 2015

Produced and published by the CCSHF Staff

CCSHF, 2301 Robeson Plaza, Suite 102, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28307

ccshf.org

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In memory of CMSgt Alcide S. Benini b. October 15, 1921 – d. April 16, 2015 The USAF’s first Combat Controller and CCS Museum Namesake

CCSHF Mission The Combat Control School Heritage Foundation (CCSHF) is a North Carolina incorporated, 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt, organization. The Foundation’s only mission is to support the Combat Control School training efforts. In this role, the Foundation works in concert with the school staff to acquire, exhibit and maintain mission artifacts exhibited in the CMSgt Alcide S. Benini Heritage Center (BHC). We know it is the duty of each new generation of Combat Controllers to pave the way for tomorrow's Special Tactics warriors. Our goal is to facilitate that task. We will never forget that Combat Controllers of yesterday paved the way for tomorrow’s Special Tactics Warriors. The Foundation’s key goals are to supplement the student’s formal education by putting a “face” on CCT history; bolstering active duty morale and supporting United States Air Force recruiting and retention goals for special tactics operators. The Benini Heritage Center displays historical lineage; exhibits unique events in history; artifacts; and equipment used since the inception of USAF Combat Control Teams. It provides students a link with CCT warriors of the past, promoting pride in the past and instilling faith in the future. We thank you for your continued support of the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation. One-hundred percent of your contributions go directly to heritage museum projects. You are strongly urged to visit the Benini Heritage Center and Museum at www.ccshf.org to learn more about its mission and goals.

Gene Adcock, CMSgt, USAF (CCT) Retired President, Combat Control School Heritage Foundation

James C. Lyons, CMSgt, USAF (CCT) Retired Director, Combat Control School Heritage Foundation

“Dedicated to the Preservation of our Warrior Heritage.”

FOREWORD

The Air Force’s Combat Controllers are America’s quiet warriors who work in the shadows with little notice or fanfare. The fast-moving nature of today’s global fight makes documenting the valor of these Airmen difficult but Gene Adcock and the Combat Control School’s Heritage Foundation do an exceptional job of telling the story of their valor and sacrifice in the pages that follow. Few know the names of John Chapman, Rob Gutierrez or Justin Temple among many others but Legendary Action documents what these and many other Combat Controllers have achieved while face to face with the enemy. As the stories that follow testify, the impact of these men is immensely consequential: turning the tide of battle, killing key enemies of our Nation and ensuring that their fellow Soldiers, Sailors and Marines return home alive. Hoo-yah Team, Brigadier General Robert G. “RA” Armfield, USAF

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AIRMEN IN THE SHADOWS An introduction by W. Thomas Smith, Jr.

The Air Force is a major player in rooting out terrorists.

September 17, 2004 - National Review Online (NRO) - When most Americans think of the U.S. Air Force, the first images that come to mind are of supersonic fighters like the F-15 Eagle or the new F-22 Raptor. Perhaps they think of B-2 stealth bombers, the big lumbering B-52 Stratofortresses, or C-130 and C-141 cargo planes. Some may think of nuclear-tipped inter- continental ballistic missiles, reconnaissance satellites, or super-secret subterranean command posts like the one beneath Colorado's Cheyenne Mountain. After all, aircraft, crews, and ICBMs have been the service's raison d'être since breaking free from the U.S. Army and becoming a separate branch of the U.S. armed forces on September 18, 1947.

Like Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Recon Marines, Sean R. Harvell - Two Silver Stars the missions of these airmen are often classified; their efforts rarely make the papers. They don't duplicate the work of other "shooters": Instead they bring a number of unique features to the special-operations mix, including men, aircraft, and battle-field wizardry.

"The Air Force has always prided itself on things like high-tech information systems and space technologies, and that has carried over into its approach to special operations," Maj. General William W. Hoover (a retired two-star who currently serves as an advisor to NASA) tells NRO. "Our ability to precision-locate things, to insert people and weapons systems, and to communicate has simply been devastating to the enemy." Beyond the science is the art. And that's where the operators come in. Air Force special-tactics units are comprised of three elements (not including the pilots, aircrews, and support personnel). These include combat controllers, pararescuemen, and combat weather teams.

Combat controllers are specially trained paratroopers who jump in advance of large-scale airborne assaults—like the one conducted by the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade over northern Iraq in March 2003—in order to set up, secure, and provide on-ground navigational assistance on landing or drop zones for inbound pilots and paratroopers. As the title suggests, the combat controller's specialty is establishing and maintaining air-traffic control in a combat zone. But as highly skilled

air commandos who are almost always outnumbered by enemy forces on the ground, they often find themselves performing tasks outside the box.

Isolated, behind enemy lines or far out in front of advancing friendly armies, a combat controller might be tasked with coordinating an air strike on an enemy air-defense position. Equipped with special range-finding binoculars, a palm-top computer, a GPS (global positioning system) receiver, and a rifle, the airmen can clandestinely spot the target, direct an attacking pilot to it, and then leap on a motorcycle and race toward another target where he will repeat the process.

On another mission, combat controllers might be tasked with making a high altitude/low opening (HALO) parachute jump onto a field slated to be assaulted by larger airborne forces. There, the airmen will silently land, overwhelm and kill and any defenders who discover them, and prepare the way for inbound planes and paratroopers.

In the hours before the 1983 invasion of Grenada, a handful of combat controllers and SEALs conducted an open-water parachute drop off Point Salinas on the southern tip of the island. The SEALs were responsible for reconnoitering the airfield, determining the condition of the runway, then locating and determining the strength of nearby enemy forces. The airmen were tasked with positioning radar beacons on the airfield so that parachuting Army Rangers and other airborne forces would be able to find the drop zone. Unfortunately, four SEALs drowned in heavy seas, and the others were ordered to withdraw before completing the mission.

Nevertheless, the invasion was a "go," and just over 24 hours later, a team of combat controllers made the first parachute jump over the island's heavily defended Point Salinas Airport. Weighed down with nearly 100 pounds of equipment, the airmen jumped from an altitude of only 500 feet. A malfunctioning main parachute would have killed them. On the ground and under constant fire from Cuban forces, the airmen then directed transport aircraft ferrying two parachuting battalions of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment over the airport. At Point Salinas, the combat controllers and the Rangers encountered the toughest overall resistance of the operation.

Air Force combat controllers trace their lineage to the U.S. Army's pathfinders of World War II. During some of the earliest American airborne operations, paratroopers were inadvertently dropped several miles short of their drop zones by pilots then utilizing crude methods of navigation. As a result, the Army began training pathfinders—scouts who parachuted over the target drop zone before the main airborne assault, secured the field, and then guided the aircraft in over the target. As a means of signaling the pilots, the pathfinders used all manner of "visuals" from smoke pots to flares to flashlights and small fires. They also used crude radio homing devices that the pilots could follow.

When the war ended in 1945, pathfinder units were some of the first to be disbanded (the Army reestablished its pathfinder program in 1955). In 1947, the National Security Act was passed,

which, among other things, established the Air Force as a separate arm of service. Soon thereafter, pathfinder responsibilities were assumed by the Air Force's new Air Resupply and Communications Service—the direct predecessor organization to the modern Air Force combat- control teams.

Today, the scarlet beret of a combat controller is highly sought by many young Air Force recruits, but not all pack the mental or physical gear to win it. The Air Force wants "men [women are currently barred from serving in special operations] between the ages of 18 and 27 who are athletic enough to enter the ranks" and tough enough to remain there.

All applicants for combat-controller slots must pass a rigorous Physical Abilities and Stamina Test, including swimming, running, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and flutter kicks. The test is followed by a grueling ten-week indoctrination course, affectionately referred to as "Ironman 101."

The course is characterized by constant running and calisthenics. But the most difficult portion is the "pool work." During pool work, students must demonstrate the ability to swim with a weight belt, tread water, drown-proof, and work closely with a "buddy" swimmer. The course is meant to enhance the water confidence of those who have what it takes and eliminate those who don't.

Following "Ironman 101," combat-control hopefuls must attend a variety of special-operations- related schools including the Army's combat-diver school, Navy underwater-egress training, Army parachute training, Air Force survival training, and field-tactics training. Additionally, students are trained in the use of ropes, skis, and motorcycles. DELTA

December 2001 – Tora Bora, Afghanistan - “...if you asked what tool of the trade would be the very last thing they would leave behind, you might be surprised at the answer. You would likely hear that is not a tool that makes one nervous when it isn't there, but rather a capability that is not organic to a troop of Delta operators or Navy SEALs. Just because you are the best of the best does not mean you are the best at everything. Any Delta operator can vouch for the capabilities of the air force combat controllers, and very rarely goes on a hit without the men who wear the scarlet berets.” “Arguably they are the best-rounded and uniquely trained operators on the planet. The initial training pipeline for an air force special tactics squadron combat controller costs twice as much time and sweat as does the journey to become a Navy SEAL or Delta operator. Before their training is complete someone brainwashes these guys into thinking they can climb like Spiderman, swim like Tarzan, and fly like Superman---and then they have to prove they can do so if they plan to graduate. And that is just to get to a place where they can do the job for which they are really trained, calling those deadly air strikes. The life of a combat controller is split between working with Delta and SEALs, with a little moonlighting with the 75th Ranger Regiment now and again.” “They carry the motto that would be hard to look another operator in the face and say---if it weren't true. First There. In Tora Bora, we counted ourselves lucky to have the Admiral and Spike, and their capability...” Dalton Fury Delta Force Ground Commander Battle of Tora Bora, December 2001 "Bomb Like There Is No Tomorrow." Kill Bin Laden.

Upon successful completion of the combat-training programs, the students must earn the second part of their title, "controller." To do so, they attend the Air Force's air-traffic-control school, where they ultimately become certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

To suggest that their training is tough is an understatement. In fact, only seven men out of a total of 130 candidates in Combat Control class 02-04 stayed the course and graduated in December 2002.

The second element of Air Force special tactics is pararescue. These airmen, recognizable by their maroon berets, are trained to save lives by jumping, swimming, or fighting their war overland into enemy-held territory in order to rescue wounded American soldiers or downed pilots. Like combat controllers, pararescuemen are all parachute, dive, and survival qualified, but they also undergo a demanding medical course followed by a recovery-and-rescue course.

The third special-tactics element is the combat weather team. A unique force, a combat weather team is comprised of parachute-qualified meteorologists armed with pistols and assault rifles for personal protection on the ground. The mission of the gray-bereted "weathermen" is to gather and update real-time weather data during special operations.

Like all special-operations forces, members of Air Force special tactics are usually deployed with the "bare minimum" supplies and equipment needed to complete their mission: just the basics that will sustain them for up to 72 hours without being re-supplied. Beyond that time, the airmen will find themselves in dire need of "consumables"—food, water, batteries, vehicle fuel, and additional equipment that may not have been factored into the needs of the original mission.

Today, 57 years after its establishment as a separate service, the Air Force maintains approximately 370,473 men and women in uniform (not counting the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard). Counting special-operations pilots, crews, and special-tactics airmen, there are 12,735 active-duty personnel assigned to Air Force special operations. It's a number that will increase as the special- operations community continues to expand.

During the early days of the war on terror, airmen were among the first to see action. In one instance, according to General Hoover, a special-tactics team jumped into Afghanistan, secured a tower at a deserted airport, and from there, coordinated air strikes on Taliban forces less than a mile away. "This kind of capability was a new dimension the bad guys had not experienced with the Soviets," he says. "The marriage between technology and special operators is one of the reasons we've been so successful against the enemy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere in the world." And it's why we will continue to be.

______Formerly a U.S. Marine infantry leader and paratrooper, W. Thomas Smith Jr. is a freelance journalist and the author of four books, including the Alpha Bravo Delta Guide to American Airborne Forces. The preceding article was reprinted with permission granted by Mr. Smith in an email sent to LEGENDARY ACTION author on November 13, 2009.

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THE COMBAT CONTROL ASSOCIATION

This book is a testament to the character, bravery, and incredible fortitude of American Airmen who wear the Combat Control (CCT) beret.

Since the kick off of Operation Desert Shield on August 7, 1990, the Air Force has maintained nonstop combat operations. Since that time, our USAF Combat Controllers have participated in tens of thousands of engagements - fighting fierce battles against hostile forces, as well as, supporting peacetime humanitarian operations around the world.

Our CCT force has fought in the war on terror nonstop for nearly 14 years earning our military parent unit, the Air Force Special Operations Command's 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW), the "Air Force's highest decorated unit since Vietnam." Unfortunately the 24 SOW also has more personnel injured and killed than any other Air Force unit - a majority of those were combat controllers.

We've had CCT causalities in fierce battles while engaged with enemy combatants, airplane and freefall parachute accidents, and way too often, suicide. Our Combat Control Association (CCA) is dedicated to support our men and their families-both current and past.

Over the last few years our association has adopted a "Sponsorship Program" asking both corporate and individuals to sponsor the CCA through donations. The response was phenomenal in both money and product donations. With such a positive outpouring, we've stepped up our outreach to search out past and present CCT members and their families in need and teamed with business who provide discounts and donations.

The CCA also supports our Combat Control School Heritage Foundation (CCSHF), sponsors awards at the Combat Control School and the Special Tactics Training Squadron, and funds pre- and post- deployment activities, as well as, "high level" award ceremonies for our men.

As you read each of these stories please remember the families of these men - the parents, grandparents, siblings, and others who raised them, the wives and children who live the military "way-of-life", and the teammates who trained, prepared, and validated the men's qualifications to deploy. In each story every man will tell you, "I just happened to be there", or "It could have been anyone". These men and teams we're reading about don't care about political correctness or quotas, rather, they work hard to be the best they can and expect the same in everyone around them.

While most of these stories have a happy ending, sadly many end in tragedy. I applaud the men in the stories, our teammates, our marvelous support network and the entire Combat Control Family.

Mickey Wright President Combat Control Association

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"If you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body, tell the mind what to do... …the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

General George S. Patton Jr.

“A man must know his destiny… …if he does not recognize it, then he is lost. By this I mean, once, twice, or at the very most, three times, fate will reach out and tap a man on the shoulder… …if he has the imagination, he will turn around and fate will point out to him what fork in the road he should take, if he has the guts, he will take it.”

General George S. Patton Jr.

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DEDICATION To the Combat Controllers who made the supreme sacrifice in combat action.

MISSING IN ACTION A1C ANDRE ROLAND GUILLET3 - Waterbury, Connecticut, b. 12/17/1943 – d. 5/18/1966. Assigned to the 1st Air Commando Wing, England AFB, Louisana; lost while TDY to 606 Air Commando Squadron, Nakhon Phanom (NPK) RTAFB, Thailand. Guillet was shot down while flying as an ACM1 (observer) on a Gomby FAC mission, in an O-1E piloted by pilot Captain Lee D. Harley near Ban Karai Pass, Laos 18 May 66. As of this writing, both are still listed as MIA (presumed KIA).

KILLED IN ACTION

TSgt Richard L. Foxx Vietnam 15 October 1962 A1C Andre R. Guillet3 Laos 18 May 1966 A1C Gerard L. J. Gauthier, Jr. Vietnam 4 September 1967 A1C William E. Jerkins Vietnam 4 September 1967

MSgt Charles A. Paradise Vietnam 4 September 1967 TSgt Fredrick L. Thrower Vietnam 4 September 1967 Sgt. Paul L. Foster Laos 29 December 1967 Capt. Arthur Galvin2 Persian Gulf 31 January 1991 TSgt John A. Chapman Afghanistan 4 March 2002 SSgt Scott D. Sather Iraq 8 April 2003 Capt. Derek M. Argel Iraq 30 May 2005

Capt. Jeremy J. Fresques Iraq 30 May 2005

SSgt Casey J. Crate Iraq 30 May 2005 SrA Adam P. Servais Afghanistan 19 August 2006 TSgt William H. Jefferson, Jr. Afghanistan 22 March 2008 SSgt Timothy P. Davis Afghanistan 20 February 2009 SrA Daniel R. Sanchez Afghanistan 16 September 2010 SrA Mark A. Forester Afghanistan 29 September 2010 SSgt Andrew W. Harvell Afghanistan 6 August 2011 Capt. Matthew D. Roland Afghanistan 25 August 2015 SSgt Forrest B. Sibley Afghanistan 25 August 2015

______NOTES 1. ACM – Additional Crew Member 2. Former enlisted combat controller, serving as a Navigator aboard AC-130H, call sign Spirit-03 at time of SA-7 “Grail” man-portable surface-to-air missile shoot down, Operation Desert Storm during the Battle of Khafji. 3. Guillet was incrementally promoted to SMSgt during the time he was listed as Missing in Action. 4. Combat action training.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER PHOTO Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez, Jr. shown in Afghanistan, was awarded the Air Force Cross in 2011.

LEGEDARY ACTION i COMBAT CONTROL SCHOOL HERITAGE FOUNDATION HEADER iii CCSHF MISSION v FOREWORD vii AN INTRODUCTION - AIRMEN IN THE SHADOWS ix COMBAT CONTROL ASSOCIATION xiii DEDICATION xv TABLE OF CONTENTS xvii SECTION I SILVER STAR MEDAL 1 THE SILVER STAR MEDAL 3

SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS

CHRISTOPHER G. BARADAT 5 JOHN E. LEBOLD 32 MICHAEL T. BLOUT 6 JOSEPH M. LIENHARD 33 LEWIS O. BRABHAM, JR. 7 JAMES G. LUNDIE 34 JEFF W. BRAY 8 BLAKE O. LUTTRELL 35 GABRIEL P. BROWN 9 WILLIAM CALVIN MARKHAM 36 JAMES D. BURCH 10 ANDREW I. MARTIN 37 CLINT C. CAMPBELL 11 DOGLAS J. MATTHEWS 38 KENNETH L. COPELAND 12 DAVID L. McCRACKEN 39 DONALD W. EAST 13 MATTHEW P. McKENNA 40 RUDOLPH A. ELIZONDO 14 THOMAS J. MONLEY 41 KEITH L. FABIAN 15 ROBERT K. O’CONNOR. JR. 42 GUY T. FAGAN 16 BRADLEY T. REILLY 43 MARK A. FORESTER 17 EDWIN L. RHODES 44 MORTON J. FREEDMAN 18 ROBERT T. SCHNEIDENBACH 45 CECIL C. GILBREATH 19 HAYDEN F. SEARS 46 MATTHEW J. GREINER 20 DELOREAN M. SHERIDAN 47 GOODIE J. GOODMAN 21 BILLIE W. SLAYTON 48 SEAN R. HARVELL #1 22 MICHAEL C. STOCKDALE 49 SEAN R. HARVELL #2 23 DONALD R. STROBAUGH 50 CALEB D. HEIDELBERG 24 WALTER T. SMITH 51 KENT L. HELBER 25 CHARLES P. TAPPERO 52 PETER D. HOLT 26 CESAR A. URENDA 53 DONALD HOWIE 27 ISMAEL VILLEGAS #1 54 SCOTT A. INNIS 28 ISMAEL VILLEGAS #2 55 EVAN P. JONES 29 ALAN T. YOSHIDA 56 ADAM C. KRUEGER 30 DALE C. YOUNG 57 ANDREW D. KUBIK 31

SECTION II AIR FORCE CROSS MEDAL 58 THE AIR FORCE CROSS MEDAL 59

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIEPIENTS

JOHN A. CHAPMAN - THE BATTLE OF TAKUR GHAR 60 ZACHARY J. RHYNER - THE BATTLE OF SHOK VALLEY 68 ROBERT GUTIERREZ, Jr. - THE BATTLE AT HERAT CITY 75 BARRY F. CRAWFORD, Jr. - THE BATTLE OF LAGHMAN PROVINCE 81 DUSTIN H. TEMPLE - “TAKE THE AMERICANS ALIVE!” 86 THE END NOTE 93

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Section I

SILVER STAR

The following pages feature stories of Combat Controllers who have been recognized for heroic actions in combat operations. The book is formatted in the following sequence:

 SECTION ONE is dedicated to Silver Star citations and are listed alphabetically by name.

 SECTION TWO features more in-depth stories of Air Force Cross recipients and are listed in chronological order by date of action.

SILVER STAR

Background The Silver Star medal had its beginning during World War I. An Act of Congress of July 9, 1918, authorized the wearing by Army personnel of a small silver star, three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, upon the service ribbon of a campaign medal, to indicate "a citation for gallantry in action, published in orders issued from headquarters of a general officer, not warranting the award of a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross. Known in the Army as the "citation star," the award was made retroactive, so that all those cited for gallantry in action in previous campaigns, even as far back as the Spanish-American War, were eligible to wear it.

Criteria It is estimated that more than 20,000 members of the Army received such citations before 1918. A similar device was authorized for Navy and Marine Corps personnel in 1920 which authorized a "special letter of commendation" to be awarded on the recommendation of the Board of Naval Award. Receipt of this special letter of commendation authorized its recipient to wear a small silver star on the ribbon of the Victory Medal.

The Silver Star is currently awarded by all branches of the armed forces to any person who, while serving in any capacity, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The Army announced that anyone who had previously earned a Citation Star could apply for the Silver Star medal. Navy and Marine Corps personnel could only apply, if they were awarded a citations star by the Army. The status of the Silver Star was further clarified, when on Aug. 7, 1942, Congress authorized the award of the Silver Star to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy since Dec. 6, 1941, distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity in action, but not of a nature to justify the award of the Navy Cross. Four months later, on Dec. 15, 1942, the decoration was extended to Army personnel for gallantry in action, but not of a degree to justify an award of the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medal Description On Aug. 8, 1932, the Silver Star was re-designed as a medal by an Act of Congress. This medal, designed by the firm of Bailey, Banks and Biddle, is a gilt-toned star of five points. On the obverse side in the center, is a small silver star, (the same size as the original citation star) centered within a wreath of laurel. Eighteen rays radiate from the star to the wreath. The reverse of the star has the inscription, "For Gallantry in Action" in raised letters, below which is a blank area suitable for engraving the recipient's name.

Ribbon Description

The ribbon, one of the most striking of all American awards has a wide center stripe of red flanked on either side by a wide stripe of dark blue, a wide stripe of white, a thin stripe of white and a narrow stripe of dark blue at the edges.

Authorized device: Oak leaf cluster

CHRISTOPHER G. BARADAT Action Date: April 6, 2013 Air Force Staff Sergeant 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Christopher G. Baradat, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Sono Valley, Sheltan District, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 6 April 2013. On that day, while attached to a United States Special Forces Team, Sergeant Baradat displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own safety as he and his teammates responded as a quick reactionary force for a pinned down coalition element. Upon notification, Sergeant Baradat, his Special Forces Team and attached Afghan forces sprang into action entering the treacherous Sono Valley, a known sanctuary for Taliban and Al Qaeda militants. As Sergeant Baradat and his team moved through the tight valley on foot, they came under heavy enemy attack as they closed to within 800 meters of the pinned down element. Sergeant Baradat charged through a hail of enemy gunfire, engaging insurgent positions with 30-mm. gun runs from an A-10 aircraft before taking cover in a small compound with a handful of his teammates, approximately 400 meters from the pinned down element. Once in the compound, both ridgelines bordering the valley erupted in gunfire, attacking both Sergeant Baradat's location and that of the pinned down element. As he and his team hunkered down behind cover against the heavy onslaught of enemy firepower, Sergeant Baradat realized he could not effectively communicate with overhead aerial assets from his protected position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Baradat moved to the center of the compound into direct enemy fire in order to communicate with orbiting aircraft. Ignoring repeated shouts from his teammate to take cover, over the next three hours Sergeant Baradat calmly directed lethal engagements from A-10 and AC-130 aircraft onto 13 enemy fighting positions consisting of over 100 fighters, while ignoring enemy machine gun rounds impacting all around him, spraying him with dirt. When all friendly forces consolidated and egressed the valley, Sergeant Baradat once again showed incredible bravery when he purposefully jumped onto the running board of the vehicle where he was continuously exposed to enemy fire so he could maintain communications. With rounds again impacting all around him, he continued to control AC-130 and A-10 strikes to destroy the enemy attempting to cut off the coalition forces. Sergeant Baradat's heroic and selfless actions directly resulted in over 50 enemy fighters killed, while saving the lives of over 150 friendly personnel. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Baradat has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

MICHAEL T. BLOUT Action Date: October 23, 2012 Air Force Staff Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Michael T. Blout, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States at Wardak Province, Afghanistan, on 23 October 2012. On that day, Sergeant Blout served as the primary Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to an Army Special Forces Team. While conducting operation AMAL KARD SYGANA II, Sergeant Blout received radio traffic indicating an Army Special Forces teammate required immediate medical attention after sustaining wounds form an enemy ambush. Reacting instinctively, Sergeant Blout sprinted 1.6 kilometers towards the sounds of enemy fire to assist his wounded comrade. Coordinating with aircraft orbiting overhead, Sergeant Blout ascertained the location of wounded personnel and directed friendly maneuver elements to converge in support. Sergeant Blout simultaneously used air assets to monitor and track enemy movements. Arriving at the scene of the ambushed friendly element, Sergeant Blout raced across open ground while under direct and accurate enemy fire, placing himself between his wounded teammate and the enemy in order to return fire and protect his fallen comrade and the medic furiously working to save his life. While exchanging direct fire with the enemy, Sergeant Blout orchestrated close air support to keep the enemy at bay and coordinated for the arrival of medical evacuation assets. Hearing the rotor blades of incoming evacuation helicopters, Sergeant Blout marked an impromptu landing zone while still under heavy enemy fire, and aborted the first landing attempt due to the volume and accuracy of insurgent small arms and machine gun fire. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Blout placed himself between the landing zone and the enemy and urged his teammates forward, screening the landing and enabling the evacuation of friendly forces. As medical evacuation assets departed, Sergeant Blout immediately directed attack helicopter strafing runs against the enemy positions while friendly forces reconsolidated and retrograded back to covered and concealed positions. Sergeant Blout's courageous and decisive action at the hasty helicopter landing zone against superior firepower was directly responsible for rallying the quick reaction force, and preventing friendly maneuver elements from being overrun. His heroism under withering enemy fire disrupted attacking enemy forces, and prevented the sue loss of coalition air assets. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Blout has reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

LEWIS O. BRABHAM, JR. Action Date: April 29, 1975 Air Force Master Sergeant Detachment 6, 6th Aerial Port Squadron Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Lewis O. Brabham, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 April 1975. On that date, amid heavy mortar, rocket, and artillery fire, and with chaos on the airfield, Sergeant Brabham supervised the combat control element providing the forward intelligence and air traffic control in the emergency evacuation operation. While the airfield was being over-run, and under intense enemy fire, with total disregard for his own safety Sergeant Brabham traversed exposed runway and taxiways in order to evacuate a fellow combat controller. After withdrawing from the airfield, he controlled the helicopter landing zone at the Defense Attaché Office compound to evacuate Vietnamese and Americans, further exposing himself to danger. His decisions and actions during the evacuation resulted in the saving of lives and military aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Brabham has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------At 0400 on April 29th, 1975, Tan Son Nhut, Saigon's main airfield came under intense accurate rocket, mortar and artillery fire from unopposed enemy forces. Within minutes nine U.S. and Vietnamese Air Force cargo aircraft and a number of helicopters were burning on the ramp. Master Sergeant Lewis O. Brabham and his combat control team set up communications in the midst of the shelling to control departing air traffic and relay vital intelligence information to an airborne command post flying overhead. Later he withdrew his men to the downtown Defense Attaché Office compound without casualties. There the CCT used portable radio equipment to control the helicopters landing for the evacuation of embassy and other key personnel. He remained until the last moments, to work air traffic and assist personnel in boarding outbound helicopters for flights to offshore ships.

JEFF W. BRAY Action Date: October 3-4, 1993 Air Force Sergeant 24th Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the conflict in the Africa Somalia –Mogadishu – The Horn of Africa

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant Jeffrey W. Bray, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing Armed Force in the vicinity of the Olympic Hotel, Mogadishu, Somalia, from 3 October 1993 to 4 October 1993.

While attached to an elite Army Special Operations unit conducting combat operations in support of Task Force Ranger, Sergeant Bray took part in an integrated ground assault undertaken to support United Nations Operations in Somalia II. While subjecting himself to a steady stream of enemy fire, Sergeant Bray provided expert surgical fire direction of overhead helicopter gunships to eliminate an enemy militia force that was threatening the friendly assault force.

In response to the downing of a U.S. UH-60 assault helicopter, Sergeant Bray, while exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire, developed an ingenious perimeter marking system and called in deadly surgical fire support against concealed enemy targets. He labored throughout the night to keep overwhelming enemy forces at bay until friendly forces could be reached by a United Nations armed relief convoy. On several occasions he expertly air support less than 15 meters from his position with no concern for his personal safety.

Sergeant Bray's efforts were paramount in the limitation of casualties and safe evacuation of all U.S. soldiers in an intense 18-hour long fire fight. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Bray reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------This legendary action was made famous by the 2001 blockbuster movie, Blackhawk Down.

GABRIEL P. BROWN Action Date: March 4, 2002 Air Force Staff Sergeant 22nd Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Gabriel P. Brown, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Combat Controller with the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during Operation ANACONDA, near Marzak, Patkia Province, Afghanistan, on March 4, 2002. Sergeant Brown was the primary ground forward air controller assigned to a quick-reaction force task to recover two American servicemen evading capture in austere terrain occupied by massed al-Qaida and Taliban forces. Shortly before landing, his MH-47E helicopter received accurate rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire, severely disabling the aircraft and causing it to crash land. Sergeant Brown and the remainder of the assault force formed a hasty defense and immediately suffered four fatalities and five critical casualties. In spite of the battle's intensity, he held his position and directed Air Force fighter aircraft in eight separate strafing runs against multiple reinforced enemy positions. In the direst of situations, he called in three Guided Bomb Unit-12 bombs and two Hellfire missiles within 75 meters of his own position, destroying a fortified bunker. This decisive action allowed his small force to secure the high terrain. Meanwhile, an enemy patrol flanked the team from the south, mortally wounding one Pararescueman in a 20- minute barrage of fire. Sergeant Brown again directed close-air support assets against these positions, eliminating the threat. His boldness of spirit, drive and technical lethality saved the lives of 26 American servicemen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Brown has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------For their actions, during the 17-hour engagement called the "Battle of Robert's Ridge," two Airmen were posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, and Gabriel Brown was one of eight Airmen awarded the Silver Star. The battle was so-named because it followed an incident in which Navy Seal Neil Roberts fell from a helicopter as it attempted to land on a mountaintop controlled by al Qaeda fighters, initiating an intense and heroic rescue effort.

JAMES D. BURCH Action Date: April 29, 1975 Air Force Staff Sergeant Detachment 6, 6th Aerial Port Squadron Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James D. Burch, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 29 April 1975.

Amidst heavy artillery, rocket firepower, panic stricken Vietnamese Air Force Pilots and refugees, he steadfastly maintained his post alone in the control tower to provide air traffic control and safety advisories in direct support of the emergency evacuation of Americans from the besieged South Vietnamese capital.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Burch has reflected great credit upon himself and the United State Air Force.

CLINT T. CAMPBELL Action Date: August 4, 2010 Air Force Technical Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Clint T. Campbell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on 4 August 2010.

On that date, while serving as a Combat Controller attached to an Army Special Forces detachment, Sergeant Campbell, his team, and their Afghan partners conducted a ten-hour clearance operation in the village of Zharif Kheyl.

Throughout the day, they were continuously harassed by enemy fire, and Sergeant Campbell directed 22 airstrikes, including multiple 'danger close' employments, resulting in 13 enemy killed.

When the friendly force departed the village, they were ambushed by over 40 insurgents with effective machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. With the entire force pinned down and with reports of 3 urgent casualties at the southern position, Sergeant Campbell took decisive action. Without regard for his own safety, he ran 300 meters through a gauntlet of enemy fire. As rocket-propelled grenades exploded feet away and tracer rounds passed within inches, Sergeant Campbell engaged enemy fighters with his rifle and killed one insurgent with a hand grenade. Upon arriving at the casualty collection point, he exposed himself to enemy fire to mark insurgent positions with a 40 millimeter smoke grenade and directed an F-16 strafing run to neutralize the threat and enable evacuation of the wounded. He then decimated the enemy with ten OH-58 strikes while coordinating with other air assets to vector the friendly force out of the kill zone.

Sergeant Campbell's bravery in the face of withering enemy fire turned the tide of the battle, defeated the ambush, saved three teammates' lives and prevented certain additional casualties.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty. Sergeant Campbell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

KENNETH L. COPELAND Action Date: June 23-25, 1970 Air Force Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia – Northern Cambodia

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant Kenneth L. Copeland, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at a landing zone in Northern Cambodia from 23 June 1970 to 25 June 1970.

On these dates, Sergeant Copeland was directing the unloading of three thousand Cambodian refugees, men, women and children, when the airfield came under intense hostile rocket, mortar and ground attack. As hundreds of refugees rushed to board the three C-7A aircraft, Sergeant Copeland rushed directly into the target area and halted the terrified refugees, thus enabling the helpless cargo aircraft to depart and escape damage and destruction.

Remaining in the open and exposing himself to the incoming rocket and mortar attack he ran some two-hundred yards across an open field to aid his team in defending their position against the hostile forces. Attacks continued throughout the night and Sergeant Copeland's directions enabled air strikes by Friendly Forces to subdue the hostile attack.

His courageous action had saved the lives of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam Rangers and the 200-300 civilian men, women and children who were waiting to evacuate.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Copeland has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------Action occurred in Boung Long, Cambodia

DONALD W. EAST Action Date: June 23-25, 1970 Air Force Staff Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia – Northern Cambodia

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Donald W. East, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at a landing zone in Northern Cambodia, from 23 June 1970 to 25 June 1970.

On those dates, Sergeant East was providing Air Traffic Control to C-47, C-123, and C-7A aircraft in the evacuation of three thousand Cambodia refugees when his field came under attack by rockets, mortars and advancing ground forces. With complete disregard for his own safety he climbed upon his MRC-108 radio vehicle to give takeoff instructions to three C-7A aircraft who were helpless targets of the attack.

From his open and unprotected position he directed the immediate safe departure of the three aircraft. His courageous actions saved the lives of many Army of the Republic of Vietnam Ranger and Cambodia defenders who were waiting departure from the field, as well as 200-300 Cambodian refugees; men, women and children who were still at the field.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty Sergeant East has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------Action occurred in Boung Long, Cambodia

RUDOLPH A. ELIZONDO Action Date: September 24, 1968 Air Force Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant Rudolph A. Elizondo, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Katum Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 24 September 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Elizondo was a member of a Combat Control Team who was deployed to the camp to provide air traffic control and ground support for the aerial resupply of the beleaguered Vietnamese camp which was under pre-siege mortar and rocket barrage.

With complete disregard for his personal safety Sergeant Elizondo helped clear the drop zone and recover the load before it was recovered by hostile forces and used against the camp.

By the successful recovery of these much needed supplies, the imminent hostile ground attack was bolted and the Vietnamese camp kept from being overrun by a determined hostile force.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Elizondo has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------“The three combat controllers were assigned to the 8th Aerial Port Squadron. Their mission for the next week was to help the Air Force re-supply and save the Special Forces camp at Katum.”

KEITH L. FABIAN Action Date: November 12, 1965 Air Force Airman Second Class 3rd Aerial Port Squadron Pope AFB, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Airman Second Class Keith L. Fabian, United States Air Force, Combat Control Team, 3d Aerial Port Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Ap Bau Bang, Republic of Vietnam on 12 November 1965.

On that date, Airman Fabian assisted the Forward Air Controller and the Artillery Liaison Officer in coordinating fire support missions when the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division to which he was attached came under fierce and sustained attack.

During the course of the battle, Airman Fabian on four separate occasions courageously and without regard for his own safety, left the relative security of his position to aid and evacuate the wounded amid exploding mortar rounds and small arms fire.

His selfless efforts were an inspiration to others and contributed significantly to the timely treatment and evacuation of the wounded.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Fabian has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

GUY T. FAGAN Action Date: April 29, 1975 Air Force Staff Sergeant Detachment 6, 6th Aerial Port Squadron Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Guy T. Fagan, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 29 April 1975.

Amidst heavy artillery, rocket firepower, panic stricken Vietnamese Air Force pilots and refugees, he steadfastly maintained his post to provide essential communications, and personally removed live ordinance from the runway, thereby preventing loss of life and aircraft, and enabling numerous aircraft departures from the besieged Tan Son Nhut Airfield during the emergency evacuation operations.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Fagan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------At 0400 on April 29th, 1975, Tan Son Nhut, Saigon's main airfield came under intense accurate rocket, mortar and artillery fire from unopposed enemy forces. Within minutes nine U.S. and Vietnamese Air Force cargo aircraft and a number of helicopters were burning on the ramp. Master Sergeant Lewis Brabham and his combat control team set up communications in the midst of the shelling to control departing air traffic and relay vital intelligence information to an airborne command post flying overhead. Later he withdrew his men to the downtown Defense Attaché Office compound without casualties. There the CCT used portable radio equipment to control the helicopters landing for the evacuation of embassy and other key personnel. He remained until the last moments, to work air traffic and assist personnel in boarding outbound helicopters for flights to offshore ships. Guy T. Fagan was a member of emergency evacuation team.

MARK A. FORESTER Date of birth: May 15, 1981 Date of death: September 29, 2010 Action Date: September 29, 2010 - Status: KIA Air Force Senior Airman - 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Senior Airman Mark A. Forester, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in the Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan on 29 September 2010. On that day, while performing duty as a Combat Controller for Special Operations Task Force - South East, Fire Base Tinsley, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Airman Forester demonstrated extreme valor while engaged in combat with a well-equipped and tenacious enemy. Airman Forester participated in a deliberate assault against an insurgent safe haven in Jangalak Village, supporting a team of four United States Army Special Forces Soldiers and eight Afghan National Army Soldiers on a patrol to secure possible enemy ambush positions to provide security for a mounted patrol. As the patrol moved into the village, it came under intense enemy machine gun and sniper fire. Airman Forester, without hesitation, exposed himself to enemy fire in order to identify enemy positions and coordinate close air support. As the enemy fire became more accurate, the patrol was forced to bound through an open field in order to secure a defensive position in a compound. As they approached the compound, one of the Afghan Soldiers suffered a fatal gunshot wound from an enemy sniper. Airman Forester was able to quickly maneuver a pair of AH-64s over the enemy positions which enabled the patrol to reach the safety of the compound. Once inside the compound, Airman Forester assisted in its clearing and moved into a position to flank the insurgents. As the team flanked the insurgent position, they again came under effective enemy machine gun and sniper fire. When a United States Army Soldier was fatally injured by the sniper, Airman Forester again exposed himself to the enemy and immediately killed the sniper. Airman Forester then organized a team to retrieve the injured Soldier. Airman Forester led the team back into the enemy's line of fire in a valiant effort to rescue a fallen comrade when he was fatally wounded by insurgent fire. Airman Forester's steadfast courage in the face the enemy led to the elimination of twelve insurgents and the capture of multiple weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Airman Forester has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

MORTON J. FREEDMAN Action Date: May 12, 1968 Air Force Technical Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Morton J. Freedman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at the Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam on 12 May 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Freedman aided the wounded, destroyed a machine gun position of the opposing force, and performed essential communications functions while under a heavy barrage of mortar, recoilless rifle, rocket, machine gun and small arms fire.

Sergeant Freedman provided these communications services from an exposed position with complete disregard for his own life.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Freedman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------On May 12, 1968, a C-123 Provider assigned to the 311th Air Commando Squadron and piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Joe Jackson took off from Danang Air Base in South Vietnam. The mission was a routine resupply run to numerous military fire bases. During the mission an urgent call went out to aircraft in the area to rescue combat controllers stranded at a landing zone that was in immediate danger of being overrun. Colonel Jackson answered the call and was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for a dangerous impromptu rescue of the American Air Force landing zone operators at Kham Duc, one was Combat Controller Mort Freedman.

CECIL C. GILBREATH Action Date: October 30-November 6, 2009. Air Force Staff Sergeant 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Cecil C. Gilbreath, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States at Konduz Province, Afghanistan, from 30 October 2009 to 6 November 2009.

During this period, Sergeant Gilbreath displayed extraordinary bravery during two significant battles. On 2 November 2009, his Special Forces team and their Afghanistan National Army partners were attacked by 30 enemy fighters in a well-coordinated L-shaped ambush. As a mortar round landed 20 feet from his location and two rocket propelled grenade rounds impacted within 15 feet spraying his vehicle and helmet with shrapnel, he exposed himself to direct enemy fire to visually identify the enemies' positions. Using his video downlink to view the aircraft's sensor footage, Sergeant Gilbreath coordinated three separate pinpoint bomb strikes that devastated the insurgents and halted the attack.

On 5 November 2009, Sergeant Gilbreath's team participated in a clearing operation of a local village occupied by an estimated 120 Taliban and foreign fighters. When the team reached the center of the town, they became surrounded by a well-trained heavily armed enemy force. Withdrawal was not an option due to the canalizing urban terrain. As bullets and shrapnel impacted his vehicle from all directions and the enemy closed on his team's position, Sergeant Gilbreath ignored the prospect of death and masterfully brought airpower to bear. He directed two immediate danger close strafing runs against insurgent fighters just 30 feet from his position. These attacks suppressed the nearest threats, but did little to deter the enemy force. For the next hour, Sergeant Gilbreath maintained his partially exposed position in the gun truck and, without regard for his own safety, methodically decimated the enemy with eight more airstrikes.

His actions turned the tide of the battle and allowed his team to defeat the enemy assault with no friendly casualties. By his gallantry and devotion to duty. Sergeant Gilbreath has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

MATTHEW J. GREINER Action Date: September 27-29, 2014 Air Force Technical Sergeant 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Matthew J. Greiner, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States while serving with the 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 27 to 29 September 2014. On these days, while attached to a United States Special Forces team, Sergeant Greiner displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own safety as he and his teammates assaulted an insurgent safe haven. Within minutes of landing on target, Sergeant Greiner used available aircraft sensors to locate groups of insurgents maneuvering through villages to engage A-10s and AH-64s and eliminate six advancing fighters before they could establish defensible positions. After destroying a massive weapons cache overnight, coalition forces came under heavy fire from an overwhelming force. With rocket-propelled grenades and machine gun fire erupting from all directions, Sergeant Greiner immediately began defensive strikes supporting the three embattled positions. He controlled multiple aircraft conducting simultaneous strikes on two radio networks, while braving heavy barrages of machine gun fire in order to maintain situational awareness of three friendly positions and over 20 enemy positions. With two observation posts in danger of being overrun by insurgents within 40 meters of their position, Sergeant Greiner focused all efforts on halting the enemy advance. He immediately destroyed two compounds housing an insurgent machine gun position and enemy strongpoints, one danger close to friendly positions, with four 500-pound bombs from a pair of F-16s. Insurgents continued to advance on friendly positions, again reaching within 40 meters. The enemy had coalition forces pinned down with machine gun fire while fighters crept through the adjacent corn fields. The enemy surged in a coordinated attack after intercepted communications stated, "Take the Americans alive." As the enemy neared grenade range, Sergeant Greiner confirmed all friendly locations and engaged at danger close distance with three Hellfires and multiple strafing runs from AH- 64s. At one point, Sergeant Greiner identified six fighters with weapons approaching friendly forces on motorcycles, and he engaged with an AC-130 to decimate the enemy and stop the potential suicide attack. After 48 hours of intense fighting, 21 insurgents were eliminated, thanks to his employment of aerial assets in nine danger close engagements. Without Sergeant Greiner's expertise and skillful execution, there was no doubt in his teammates' minds that their positions would have been overrun by hostile forces on multiple occasions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Greiner has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

GOODIE J. GOODMAN Action Date: September 27-29, 2014 Air Force Senior Airman 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Airman Goodie J. Goodman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States while serving with the 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 27 to 29 September 2014. On these days, while attached to a U.S. Special Forces team, Airman Goodman displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own life as he and his teammates assaulted an insurgent safe haven. Throughout the first day of the operation, coalition forces came under heavy fire from an overwhelming force in which he directly engaged the enemy while coordinating with other combat controllers for close air support from F-16s and AH-64s. While enemy machine gun fire impacted a wall within six inches of his head, he held his rooftop position in order to repel the overwhelming insurgent force. Airman Goodman and the team heroically repelled the assault after fierce fighting within 40 meters of his position, but soon after, a massive barrage of heavy machine gun, rocket propelled grenade, and sniper fire erupted from six enemy locations. With friendly forces taking fire from within 200 meters, he immediately directed AH-64 attack helicopters in multiple strikes on the closest threats while simultaneously coordinating and de-conflicting danger close mortar fire on another maneuvering enemy 300 meters away. He maintained a steady flow of fires through a choreographed alternation of aerial strikes and mortar fire, subduing the enemy attack for hours. At one point, Goodman drew the enemy out by instructing the loud, low-flying AC-130 to remain outside of audible range. When the enemy initiated a massive attack, Goodman controlled both aerial fires from the AC-130 and mortar fires from friendly ground forces until they retreated. After 48 hours of intense combat, Airman Goodman controlled 28 attack helicopters and 20 fixed wing assets for a total of 26 engagements; six at danger close range, 45 times with mortars, resulting in seven enemies killed. He also removed their ability to maneuver and fight by destroying five buildings, 14 vehicles, and nine fighting positions. Without a doubt, Airman Goodman's actions saved the lives of coalition soldiers on the ground by combining air and ground fires to repel multiple enemy attempts to overrun and capture friendly positions. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Airman Goodman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

SEAN R. HARVELL Action Date: May 8-30, 2007 Air Force Staff Sergeant 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Sean R. Harvell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Garm Ab Village and Kajaki Sofia, Afghanistan, on 8 May 2007 and 30 May 2007. During this period, while performing duties as a Combat Controller, 22d Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, 1st Expeditionary Special Operations Group, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Sergeant Harvell selflessly and conspicuously risked his life during two engagements while under heavy enemy fire to establish contact with fighter aircraft and direct the surgical employment of lethal air power against an overwhelming enemy. In the first engagement, Sergeant Harvell and his team risked destruction from a relentless enemy attack and subsequent ambush while on reconnaissance patrol. Sergeant Harvell, cognizant of his team's precarious situation and increasing casualties in the face of debilitating enemy attacks, deliberately exposed his position to orchestrate close air support, enable an HH-60 medical evacuation and cover the exfiltration of his nine-vehicle convoy and team over a ten-hour period. Completely enveloped by enemy fire and at great personal risk, he calmly directed air attacks, destroying multiple Taliban positions and saving the lives of his teammates. Later, in the middle of a devastating ambush, he again exposed himself to heavy enemy fire from as close as five meters and directed F-18 strafing runs within a mere 45 feet of his position to rout enemy insurgents. On 30 May 2007, while attempting the recovery of a downed CH-47 helicopter and United States Army aircrew, he was wounded and knocked unconscious by a rocket propelled grenade fired by Taliban militants in a daring daylight ambush. Regaining consciousness and bleeding from multiple wounds, Sergeant Harvell engaged Taliban fighters with his personal M-4 carbine, M-12 shotgun and then grenades while simultaneously directing deadly, danger-close air attacks on the insurgent force, effectively neutralizing all enemy threats to his team and allowing another special operations team to recover the remains of all service members and sensitive equipment from the crash site. During these two days of fierce fighting, his expertise in the employment of air power and selfless service resulted in the death of 212 enemy combatants and release of 18,000 pounds of aviation ordnance. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Harvell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------At the time he was simultaneously awarded two Silver Stars, Sean Harvell became only the second man in the Global War on Terrorism to receive two Silver Stars for actions in the Global War on Terror, and the first member of the U.S. Air Force to receive two such awards.

SEAN R. HARVELL Action Date: July 25, 2007 Air Force Staff Sergeant 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

1st Oak Leaf Cluster awarded for actions during the War on Global Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Sean R. Harvell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Kherwaray Village, Afghanistan, on 25 July 2007. On this date, while performing duties as a Combat Controller, 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, 1st Expeditionary Special Operations Group. Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Harvell and his Army Special Forces team became engaged in a savage eight- hour firefight with Taliban forces to negate an enemy ambush by clearing a compound along the Helmand River. Leading a small joint team into a compound with a fortified enemy position, Sergeant Harvell repeatedly placed himself in harm's way with little regard for his own safety. On the initial breach, he and his Marine Corps teammate engaged and killed an insurgent who was laying-in-wait from a covered position. Sergeant Harvell and his teammate then moved to another covered position to engage additional enemy combatants, whereupon Sergeant Harvell again risked his life sprinting through a fatal funnel of fire to gain a dominant attack position, keeping the enemy pinned inside a room and within the compound's perimeter. Twice, while taking hellish, direct machine-gun fire from just thirty feet away, he exposed himself and shot a rocket propelled grenade to clear the enemy occupied room, but without immediate result. Sergeant Harvell then maneuvered inside the compound with three teammates; positioning himself below the window the Taliban were firing from. Crouching under the window, he pulled the pin on a grenade and delayed two seconds before throwing it through the opening, killing another insurgent and abating enemy fire. Finally, as Taliban reinforcements arrived, Sergeant Harvell and his team withdrew from the compound. Providing covering fire for his teammates as they exited, Sergeant Harvell was the last to leave. As he sprinted across the open yard, rounds from enemy heavy machine gun fire peppered around his feet. While moving across a 200-yard open wadi, Sergeant Harvell and his teammates selflessly stopped to return fire, thereby covering the movement of the rest of the team to safety. In position on the other side of the wadi, Sergeant Harvell directed A-10 fighter and AC-130 gunship engagement of the enemy with immediate success, neutralizing their attacks and killing over fifty insurgents. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Harvell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

CALEB D. HEIDELBERG Action Date: July 28, 2008 Air Force Senior Airman 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Senior Airman Caleb D. Heidelberg, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a Combat Control Journeyman, 22d Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, 1st Expeditionary Special Operations Camp, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central on 28 July, 2008.

On that date, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Airman Heidelberg and his Army Special Forces and Afghanistan National Security Forces team conducted a mounted combat reconnaissance patrol. As members of the patrol dismounted to clear a vegetated area, they were ambushed within 10 meters by enemy insurgent forces employing heavy and effective small-arms and mortar fire, injuring all of the dismounted team.

Cognizant of the grave danger faced by his reconnaissance teammates, Airman Heidelberg exposed himself to extensive enemy fire while repositioning his vehicle to provide cover for his wounded comrades. With continued disregard for his own safety, he then stationed himself forward of the vehicle and suppressed the enemy with his squad automatic weapon, thereby allowing his vehicle's gunner to climb the mounted turret, clear the jammed automatic grenade launcher and put fire on the enemy.

Realizing wounded members of his patrol were still exposed and in mortal danger, Airman Heidelberg willfully and unhesitatingly moved from the cover and protective fire of his position and ran toward them. Exposing himself again to heavy enemy fire, Airman Heidelberg carried a seriously wounded Afghan soldier back to the protection of the vehicle.

As the fight continued, he brilliantly directed a complex air-ground battle to destroy the enemy with AH-64 strafing attacks and bombs dropped from B-1 and F-15 aircraft. Additionally, he simultaneously directed four helicopter sorties to both evacuate the wounded and replenish a critically low supply of ammunition.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Heidelberg has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

KENT L. HELBER Action Date: September 24, 1968 Air Force Captain 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Captain Kent L. Helber, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Katum Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 24 September 1968.

On that date, Captain Helber was the team leader of a Combat Control Team who was deploying to the camp to provide air traffic control and ground support for the aerial resupply of the beleaguered Vietnamese camp which was under pre-siege mortar and rocket barrage.

With complete disregard for his personal safety Captain Helber helped clear the drop zone and recover the load before it was recovered by hostile forces and used against the camp.

By the successful recovery of these much needed supplies, the imminent hostile ground attack was bolted and the Vietnamese camp kept from being overrun by a determined hostile force.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Helber has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------“The three combat controllers were assigned to the 8th Aerial Port Squadron. Their mission for the next week was to help the Air Force re-supply and save the Special Forces camp at Katum.”

PETER D. HOLT Action Date: June 23-24, 1970 Air Force Staff Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia – Northern Cambodia

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Peter D. Holt, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at a landing zone in Northern Cambodia, from 23 June 1970 to 24 June 1970.

On those dates, Sergeant Holt, while working as an Air Traffic Controller, voluntarily exposed himself to hostile mortar fire and ground attacks while working to free a C- 123 which was stuck in the mud at this remote field.

He alternately controlled air traffic, dug with hand shovel, and operated a road grader from his unprotected position in the center of the runway, even though one grader operator had already been lost to sniper fire earlier in the day. For two days, rocket, mortar and ground attacks were launched against the camp.

Sergeant Holt courageously and without hesitation directed helicopter gunships overhead during these attacks to suppress the advancing hostile forces.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Holt has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------Action occurred at Bo Kheo, Cambodia

DONALD R. HOWIE Action Date: June 23-25, 1970 Air Force Captain 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia – Northern Cambodia

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Captain Donald R. Howie, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at a landing zone in Northern Cambodia, from 23 June 1970 to 25 June 1970.

On those dates, Captain Howie was providing Air Traffic Control to C-47, C-123, and C-7A aircraft in the evacuation of three thousand Cambodian refugees when his field came under attacks by rockets, mortar and advancing ground forces.

With complete disregard for his own personal safety he orchestrated the departure to three C-7A aircraft who were helpless targets of the attack. From his open and unprotected position he directed the immediate and safe departure of three aircraft. His courageous action saved the lives of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam Rangers and the Cambodian defenders who were waiting departure from the field, as well as 200-300 Cambodian refugees; men, women and children who were still at the field.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty. Captain Howie has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------Action occurred in Boung Long, Cambodia

SCOTT A. INNIS Action Date: March 28, 2006 Air Force Technical Sergeant 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Scott A. Innis, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a Combat Control Journeyman, 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, 16th Expeditionary Special Operations Group, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central, Afghanistan on 28 March 2006.

In support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Innis and the other members of his elite Army Special Forces Detachment, located at a firebase in a heavily contested region of Afghanistan, were suddenly engulfed in a hailstorm of rocket propelled grenade, mortar, heavy machine gun, and small arms fire from three sides.

Fully exposed to enemy fire and with total disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Innis scaled a ladder to an observation platform stationed at the center of the small firebase. The field-expedient plywood observation tower was the only structure visible to the outside perimeter and a magnet for the bulk of the enemy fire. Despite dwindling cover, he remained perched above the battle guiding a devastation aerial counterattack.

A marked man, the enemy quickly zeroed in on his position and was committed to killing him. Yet, with enemy rockets and small arms fire passing with mere inches of his exposed head and body, he continued to perform his duty, successfully utilizing his vast airmanship skills to neutralize his enemy.

During the 24-hour pitched battle, Sergeant Innis defeated the enemy through decisive use of airpower that resulted in the death or injury to over 100 insurgents.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Innis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

EVAN P. JONES Action Date: September 2, 2008. Air Force Senior Airman 22nd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Combat Controller, 22d Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, Combined 1963), awards the Silver Star to Senior Airman Evan P. Jones, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central on 2 September 2008.

On that date, while on vehicular combat patrol in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Airman Jones and his Coalition Special Forces team were attacked by anti- Afghanistan forces using accurate mortars, small-arms, heavy weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Despite suffering immediate wounds to his shoulder and hand, Airman Jones returned fire while simultaneously orchestrating close air support to deter the enemy's aggressive advance and eliminate hostile fire directed at his teammates.

With close-air support overhead, Airman Jones repeatedly exposed himself to accurate enemy fire as he maneuvered from vehicle to vehicle to coordinate the destruction of insurgent fighting positions. When a rocket-propelled grenade exploded danger-close projecting shrapnel into his legs, Airman Jones ignored his wounds and continued to direct air support for the next hour, enabling his team to fight through a gauntlet of 20 enemy fighting positions. After the team returned to their remote fire base, Airman Jones refused medical treatment in order to coordinate an urgent medical evacuation of a wounded soldier and continued to engage a regrouping enemy surging towards the base.

With incredible battle space awareness and utmost determination, he exploited airborne assets to identify another insurgent ambush against another smaller friendly patrol, and then directed an airstrike against the enemy forces preparing to ambush the six-man squad. Throughout the battle, Airman Jones' remarkable professional skill and heroic actions saved the lives of 60 of his comrades.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Jones has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

ADAM C. KRUEGER Action Date: May 25, 2010 Air Force Senior Airman 22nd Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Senior Airman Adam C. Krueger, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on 25 May 2010.

On that date, Airman Krueger bravely risked his life with complete disregard for personal safety while conducting combat operations with a United States Army Special Forces Team in Afghanistan.

As the team patrolled by foot through the village of Mullah Wazir, an entrenched enemy lay waiting a mere ten meters away to deliver a coordinated lethal ambush on his team. Pinned down, Airman Krueger immediately took decisive action and called in an F-15 strafing run on the enemy within meters of his position. Using the cover fire, his team fought their way through a steady stream of small arms and PKM fire to a compound to establish a strongpoint. As the team reconsolidated, Airman Krueger coordinated a second attack with a Hellfire missile, impacting danger close, allowing a separate pinned down friendly element the opportunity to seek cover.

However, as the team moved across open terrain enemy rounds hit two Soldiers. Recognizing the dire situation, Airman Krueger simultaneously exposed himself to enemy fire and coordinated another air attack while other members of the team moved the wounded to cover. As the medical evacuation helicopter approached, Airman Krueger exposed himself to mark the landing zone and de-conflict airstrikes providing cover fire, enabling the life-saving patient evacuation.

During the twelve hour firefight, Airman Krueger annihilated the enemy through judicious employment of deadly airpower, directing nine danger-close air strikes with multiple five hundred and two thousand pound bombs, gun runs, rockets and missiles.

His audacity and tactical prowess were essential in the defeat of the enemy and the survival of his team and other friendly forces that day. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Krueger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

ANDREW D. KUBIK Action Date: November 23, 2001 Air Force Staff Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Andrew Kubik, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations on 23 November 2011, while conducting combined combat operations in Afghanistan, SSgt Andrew Kubik distinguished himself through exceptionally conspicuous gallantry.

While attacking north through a valley near Tactapol, Afghanistan towards Kandahar, Afghanistan with a 500-man anti-Taliban force (ATF), the element that SSgt Kubik was attached to as a special tactics squadron airman, Texas 17, became decisively engaged by a well-planned and executed three-way ambush.

Texas 17 and the forward element of the ATF found themselves pinned down by a withering barrage of anti-aircraft gunfire as well as rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire. As a massive volume of fire rained down on them, stunning the coalition forces, SSgt Kubik stayed in his exposed position and calmly radioed for emergency drone air support.

With devastating effectiveness, SSgt Kubik level-headedly controlled numerous bombing runs that set the conditions for the Texas 17-ATF counterattack that swept the battlefield of enemy forces.

His efforts were overwhelmingly responsible for breaking the back of Taliban resistance on the Texas 17-ATF line of march and cleared the way for the final offensive on Kandahar and subsequent coalition victory in southern Afghanistan.

His actions are in keeping with the highest standards expected of members of the 23rd STS, the United States Air Force and the profession of his arms. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Kubik has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

JOHN E. LEBOLD Action Date: April 29, 1975 Air Force Sergeant Detachment 6, 6th Aerial Port Squadron Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant John E. Lebold, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 April 1975.

Amidst heavy artillery and rocket firepower, plus panic stricken Vietnamese Air Force pilots and refugees, he steadfastly maintained his post to provide essential high frequency communications, and personally removed live ordnance from the runway, thereby preventing loss of life and aircraft, and enabling numerous aircraft departures from the besieged Tan Son Nhut Airfield during the emergency evacuation operation.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lebold has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

JOSEPH M. LIENHARD Action Date: October 28, 2001 to December 20, 2001 Air Force Staff Sergeant 24th Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Joseph M. Lienhard, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near the Balkh Valley, Afghanistan, from 28 October 2001 to 20 December 2001.

As Sergeant Lienhard targeted and destroyed an enemy bunker complex on 5 November 2001, his team was decisively engaged by a well-planned and executed counterattack by Taliban forces.

With complete disregard for his own personal safety and despite heavy incoming small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades impacting all around his position, Sergeant Lienhard calmly remained exposed to coordinated close air support. With nearly all of his host nations forces fleeing in panic and Taliban forces closing in on his position, Sergeant Lienhard instinctively and successfully directed numerous dangerous close air strikes to thwart the enemy's advance.

Facing overwhelming odds, Sergeant Lienhard mounted his horse and lethally engaged the enemy with his M-4 rifle and M-203 grenade launcher providing covering fire while he repositioned to another observation point. Withdrawing by fire, literally within feet of potentially fatal gunfire, Sergeant Lienhard contacted a B-52 aircraft and with pinpoint accuracy targeted his previously occupied location. With devastating effectiveness, he controlled numerous bombing runs to recapture the strategically important ridgeline effectively breaking the Taliban's advance turning certain defeat into victory.

Sergeant Lienhard's valor and calm demeanor under intense enemy fire exemplify the highest standards of bravery in the face of the enemy. His personal actions on the battlefield were decisive and instrumental in the liberation of six northern Afghan provinces and prevented a major defeat of General Dostam's Northern Alliance forces during their campaign to capture Mazer-e-Sharif.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lienhard has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

JAMES G. LUNDIE Action Date: May 12, 1968 Air Force Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant James G. Lundie, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam on 12 May 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Lundie aided the wounded, destroyed a machine gun position of the opposing force, and performed essential communications functions while under a heavy barrage of mortar, recoilless rifle, rocket, machine gun and small arms fire.

Sergeant Lundie provided these communications services from an exposed position with complete disregard for his own life. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Lundie has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

BLAKE O. LUTTRELL Action Date: January 9, 2012 Air Force Captain 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain Blake O. Luttrell, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Captain Luttrell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Task Force ONE PANTHER, Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan, The Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During a clearing operation on 9 January 2012, Captain Luttrell's partnered element of Afghan Commandos became overwhelmed by intense small arms fire from hardened insurgents fighting from fortified positions within caves. The initial engagement resulted in two Commando casualties, including one who died immediately from his wounds. Captain Luttrell maneuvered with his element through heavy enemy fire to recover the casualties. Captain Luttrell calmly identified enemy positions and provided precise terminal guidance to supporting air weapons teams to neutralize the enemy fortifications by multiple air-to-ground engagements as the assault force continued to advance. The element recovered the wounded commandos as enemy fire focused on the maneuvering assault force. Captain Luttrell continued to control air weapons team fires to neutralize enemy positions within the cave complex to cover the element. The devastating effect of the precision fires on the enemy created a momentary lull and enabled the assault force to move the casualties to a safe location for extraction. Captain Luttrell subsequently directed an inbound medical evacuation helicopter through arduous terrain to make a safe landing to evacuate the friendly casualties, and then returned to continue the assault. The assault force continued maneuvering on the enemy fortifications, and cleared a compound to take cover from intensifying enemy small arms fire to prepare for a final assault. When the Medic within his element became critically wounded while protecting the assault force and women and children found near the enemy position, Captain Luttrell deployed a smoke grenade into the main cave fortifications, returned fire, and courageously moved through continued incoming fire to assist his comrade. Captain Luttrell continued to engage the enemy from extremely close range as he assisted with moving his critically wounded teammate behind a covered position to begin medically treating him. Captain Luttrell again directed the medical evacuation helicopter to extract the critically wounded Medic, and immediately returned to continue the assault. Captain Luttrell quickly ensured all members of the assault force remained in covered positions and immediately provided terminal guidance for a decisive, precision strike by supporting close air support platforms to neutralize the fortified enemy. The assault force subsequently repositioned reinforcement to assist with the assault to destroy the remaining enemy within the cave complex. Captain Luttrell courageously took the fight to the enemy in the face of extreme danger. Captain Luttrell's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.

WILLIAM CALVIN MARKHAM Action Date: October 14 - November 30, 2001 Air Force Technical Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant William Calvin Markham, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 23d Special Tactics Squadron in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, near Kabul, Afghanistan, from 14 October to 30 November 2001. On 21 October 2001, within forty-eight hours of the detachment's arrival in Afghanistan, Sergeant Markham planned, organized, and led a close air support reconnaissance mission to within two kilometers of the Taliban front line in order to identify potential observation posts from which his team could execute missions. Almost immediately upon arrival, Sergeant Markham's team came under direct enemy fire from tanks, mortars and artillery. Despite heavy incoming fire, in which numerous rounds impacted within fifty to seventy-five meters of his position, Sergeant Markham instinctively and successfully directed multiple close air support sorties against key Taliban leadership positions, command and control elements, fortified positions, and numerous anti-aircraft artillery sites. Throughout this highly successful mission, Sergeant Markham skillfully directed multiple air strikes involving over one hundred seventy-five sorties of both strategic and attack aircraft resulting in the elimination of approximately four hundred and fifty enemy vehicles and over three thousand five hundred enemy troops. The resulting close air support operations were decisive in supporting the Northern Alliance ground offensive, which resulted in the successful liberation of the capital city of Kabul and led to the eventual surrender of hundreds of al Qaeda and Taliban ground forces. Master Sergeant Markham's valor and calmness under enemy fire were a constant source of inspiration to his detachment and General Fahim Khan's Northern Alliance forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Markham has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------William Calvin Markham, a combat controller whom history will record as the first member of the Air Force to set foot on Afghan soil in the war on terror. Just one month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

ANDREW I. MARTIN Action Date: February 27 - March 4, 2002 Air Force Technical Sergeant 23rd Special Operations Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Andrew I. Martin, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Shahi Kot, Eastern Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, from 27 February 2002 to 4 March 2002. During this period, while attached to an elite Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Team as the sole Special Tactics Combat Control Operator, he performed all radio communications, tactical reconnaissance, and close air support responsibilities during Operation ANACONDA against Al Qaeda forces in the rugged mountains of Eastern Afghanistan. Sergeant Martin was a key member of a five-man sniper team during this sustained special operation that located and identified countless and previously unseen enemy fortifications, ground patrols, and fighting positions throughout the Shahi Kot Valley region of Afghanistan. His elite team achieved overwhelming operational effects on the battlefield completely out of proportion to its small size. He scaled an eleven thousand foot peak carrying over one hundred pounds of equipment, traversing over nineteen kilometers of the most precipitous landscape the continent has to offer. Approaching the target area he spotted a large-caliber automatic weapons position manned by four enemy personnel. Under an incoming hail of enemy fire, his team assaulted the fortified position eliminating two enemy fighters with surgical rifle fire. Anticipating enemy contact, Sergeant Martin pre-briefed the AC-130 gunship with a fire mission and within seconds had eliminated the remaining enemy force. From his newly conquered dominating land feature, Sergeant Martin called in a storm of close air support fire on a multitude of targets staged in offensive positions overlooking the alley below. In a second enemy fire fight engagement Sergeant Martin was credited with five confirmed kills during an hour-long battle supporting a friendly force under attack. Sergeant Martin faced death from torturous terrain, the debilitating effects of high altitude exposure and extreme cold weather, he survived two direct mortar attacks, and successfully executed two armed assaults of Al Qaeda positions, killing the enemy at close range. The strategic significance of the devastation Sergeant Martin delivered upon the enemy is beyond assessment. By conservative estimates his team killed between thirty to fifty enemy fighters. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Martin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DOUGLAS J. MATTHEWS Action Date: November 27, 2012 Air Force Technical Sergeant 125th Special Tactics Squadron Air National Guard Base, Portland, Oregon

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Douglas J. Matthews, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Jalrez, Wardak Province, Afghanistan on 27 November 2012. On that date, Sergeant Matthews displayed extraordinary bravery, technical skill, and a complete disregard for his own safety when his vehicle struck a command detonated improvised explosive device, immediately ejecting him from the 15 ton vehicle, and triggering a complex ambush. Sustaining head injuries and multiple lacerations from the blast, Sergeant Matthews immediately came to his feet and faced torrents of fire from 12 different enemy fighting positions, some as close as 30 meters to the beleaguered convoy. Though seriously wounded, Sergeant Matthews returned fire and immediately maneuvered back to his overturned vehicle to aid his wounded teammates. While under direct and accurate enemy fire, Sergeant Matthews discovered his team leader ejected from the vehicle and incapacitated from a traumatically amputated lower extremity. Sergeant Matthews moved the wounded Soldier to safety along an embankment while still exchanging fire with enemy forces, as secondary explosions from ammunition in the burning vehicle added to the chaotic scene on the narrow road. As his Special Forces Team regrouped, Sergeant Matthews furiously coordinated close air support and a medical evacuation for his grievously injured teammates. Sergeant Matthews remained in exposed positions, despite increasing volumes of enemy fire striking all around his position, and accurately directed strafing runs to hold the attacking insurgent forces at bay. As medical evacuation helicopters arrived, Sergeant Matthews refused to be evacuated with the other occupants of the now burning vehicle, and remained on scene to direct a withering barrage of close air support that eventually broke the back of the enemy attack. Sergeant Matthews continued to engage with multiple air platforms until a quick reaction force arrived, allowing his team to break contact and return to their base. His heroism under fire while directing close air support allowed friendly forces to recover all personnel with no loss of life and maneuver out of the ambush's kill zone. Sergeant Matthews’s actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his wounded teammates and an Afghan interpreter. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Sergeant Matthews has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DAVID L. MCCRACKEN Action Date: February 25, 1968 Air Force Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War -Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant David L. McCracken, United States Air, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing force at Khe Sanh Combat Support Base, Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1968.

On that date, Sergeant McCracken repeatedly exposed himself to mortar and artillery fire to secure two burning pallets of mortars on the aircraft ramp that were in danger of exploding and which threatened the lives of an aircrew and support personnel.

Sergeant McCracken exposed himself to imminent danger of an impending explosion while securing the aforementioned pallets.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McCracken has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------During the 77-day siege of the USMC outpost, Combat Controllers played an extremely vital role in the success of the Khe Sanh resupply and survival. Throughout the siege, Khe Sanh was often compared with the French defeat of Battle of Dien Bien Phu, a 55-day siege in 1954.

MATTHEW P. MCKENNA Action Date: September 12, 2013 Air Force Technical Sergeant 22nd Special Tactics Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

Technical Sergeant Matthew P. McKenna distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Mirza Kalay Village, Afghanistan on 12 September 2013.

On that date, Technical Sergeant McKenna excelled as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller on a combined team of Army Special Operations Forces and Afghan 3d Special Operations Kandak conducting a raid in denied terrain. Shortly after infiltration Sergeant McKenna controlled air and ground sensors to execute air strikes on 10 insurgents in fighting positions preventing a catastrophic ambush. The patient enemy waited for reinforcements, maneuvered and initiated a ferocious ambush from dominant fighting positions pinning down friendly elements. On several occasions, with no regard for his personal safety, Sergeant McKenna moved from cover exposing himself to withering machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire to locate friendly elements trapped by enemy fire. He then execute control of danger close precision strikes from airborne assets. The battle raged for several hours and friendly forces were burning through their supply of ammunition at a breakneck pace and were in danger of running out completely. Sergeant McKenna orchestrated an aerial resupply at two locations, placing ammunition within 50 feet of distressed forces, preventing what was sure to be significant casualties. While friendly forces fought for their lives on the valley floor, insurgents from the surrounding areas responded with 65 reinforcements that maneuvered towards friendly locations. Enemy forces from the high ground began closing in on Sergeant McKenna’s vulnerable position nearly enveloping it and threatening to over run them. With complete disregard for his personal safety, and ignoring his teammates urging to find cover, Sergeant McKenna bounded away from cover further into the kill zone exposing himself to heavy fire from an advancing enemy in order to control dancer close air strikes. The perfectly placed provided time and space for friendly forces running low on ammunition to maneuver, ascend the mountain, and bound to the emergency exfiltration point. Sergeant McKenna’s actions throughout the 13 hour battle ensured survivability of friendly forces against a formidable enemy, enabled his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant McKenna has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

THOMAS J. MONLEY Action Date: February 25, 1968 Air Force Technical Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Thomas J. Monley, United States Air Force, for gallantry while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force at Khe Sanh Combat Support Base, Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Monley repeatedly exposed himself to mortar and artillery fire to secure two burning pallets of mortars on an aircraft ramp that were in danger of exploding and which threatened the lives of an aircrew and support personnel.

Sergeant Monley exposed himself to the imminent danger of an impending explosion while securing the aforementioned pallets.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Monley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

ROBERT K. O’CONNOR, JR. Action Date: May 27, 2009 Air Force Technical Sergeant 24th Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Robert O’Connor, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Western Paktika, Afghanistan on 27 May 2009.

On that day, Sergeant O'Connor displayed great courage and tactical expertise in the execution of a combat mission to capture or eliminate a senior insurgent commander in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan.

Upon infiltration with his assault force, Sergeant O'Connor precisely directed close air support on enemy positions who immediately engaged his team from inside 100 meters. With his personal weapon, he engaged several enemy fighters while simultaneously directing the close air support to neutralize the threat and coordinating medical evacuation of a severely wounded military working dog. When his element became pinned down by plunging heavy machine gun fire, Sergeant O'Connor, with complete disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to the withering enemy fire to locate and mark the enemy positions for close air support.

Finally, when his command and control elements were pinned behind a rock outcropping, Sergeant O'Connor exposed his entire body to enemy fire in a final attempt to neutralize the enemy position with 500 pound bombs from an A-10.

Due to his conspicuous bravery under fire and expertise, Sergeant O'Connor was able to destroy the position and was credited by the ground force commander with saving the lives of his teammates and turning the tide of the battle.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant O'Connor has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

BRADLEY T. REILLY Action Date: April 11, 2005 Air Force Technical Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, (amended by an act of July 25, 1963) takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Technical Sergeant Bradley T. Reilly, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Technical Sergeant Reilly distinguished himself by his exceptionally valorous actions as the Combat Controller from the 23d Special Tactics Squadron, 16th Special Operations Wing, assigned to Operational Detachment Alpha 163, Advanced Operational Base 160, forward Operational Base 12, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VI, on 11 April 2005. On that date, the detachment responded to a no-notice air Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in direct support of an Anti-Coalition Militia (ACM) ambush. The target was General Khil Baz, the new Border Battalion Commander. The Khowst- Gardez pass (ambush site) is extremely rugged terrain and is a historical ACM ambush site. The detachment loaded two UH-60 aircraft; Technical Sergeant Reilly was in the second aircraft. Upon arrival at the ambush site the detachment was pointed in the direction of ACM egress. Once the aircraft flew over the area, the detachment was able to identify the suspected ACM. Technical Sergeant Reilly's aircraft landed and immediately began receiving a high rate of effective machine gun and small arms fire. The detachment returned fire and assaulted uphill to the enemy position, again while under heavy effective enemy machine-gun fire. The detachment overran the enemy machine gun position through the use of small arms, fragmentary grenades, and 40-mm. grenade fire. Once the detachment secured the enemy position, they began to receive an additional high rate of effective fire from three sides. The ACM forces were extremely close, well supplied, well trained, and dedicated, allowing them to sustain effective fires against the detachment. The majority of enemy fire was coming from down an extremely steep cliff. Immediately Master Sergeant Cooper and Technical Sergeant Reilly assaulted down the cliff in the direction of fire. During the assault, Master Sergeant Cooper was critically wounded in both legs and Technical Sergeant Reilly were pinned down approximately 100 meters down the cliff and isolated from additional detachment members. Even though Technical Sergeant Reilly was shot, he continued to return fire. During the lulls in the heavy machine gun fire, Technical Sergeant Reilly treated Master Sergeant Cooper's wounds, saving his life, and continued to control the rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft, control fires against the enemy forces (2 x AH-64's, 2 x A-10's, and 2 x UH-60's). After the AH 64's departed the area, the still motivated enemy attempted to overrun Technical Sergeant Reilly and Master Sergeant Cooper's position. Technical Sergeant Reilly, additional detachment members, and a UH-60 provided suppressing fires to the advancing enemy forces, forcing them to retreat to cover ending up approximately 50 meters from Staff Sergeant Day, Master Sergeant Cooper, and Technical Sergeant Reilly's position. Technical Sergeant Reilly provided life-saving medical care, controlled aircraft fires, and provided suppressive fires for approximately three hours while being wounded. Throughout this time, they were still receiving effective machine gun fire. At one point, he was willing to have all other USSF move back up hill and call in A-10 ordnance danger close to his position (200 Meters) to save other lives. Due to the stand- alone actions of Technical Sergeant Reilly, his medical expertise, marksmanship skills, and proficiency for controlling aircraft, Master Sergeant Cooper is alive today. The distinctive and life-saving actions of Technical Sergeant Reilly reflects great credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan, and the United States Air Force.

EDWIN L. RHODES Action Date: February 25, 1968 Air Force Staff Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Edwin L Rhodes, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing force at the Khe Sanh Combat Support Base, Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Rhodes repeatedly exposed himself to mortar and artillery fire to secure two burning pallets of mortars on an aircraft ramp that were in danger of exploding and which threatened the lives of an aircrew and support personnel.

Sergeant Rhodes exposed himself to the imminent danger of an impending explosion while securing the aforementioned pallets.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Rhodes has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

ROBERT T. SCHNEIDENBACH Action Date: November 21, 1965 Air Force Captain 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Captain Robert T. Schneidenbach, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 21 November 1965.

On that date, Capt. Schneidenbach volunteered to assist in the rescue of a pilot who was shot down by hostile ground fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Capt. Schneidenbach insisted he be lowered to the downed man despite the high risk of ambush.

Upon reaching the pilot Capt. Schneidenbach determined that he had suffered serious multiple injuries and probably would not survive if hoisted in a rescue sling. Ignoring the ever increasing risk of ground fire, Capt. Schneidenbach assisted in moving the injured man to a rescue helicopter waiting in a nearby clearing.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Schneidenbach has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------Lt. Colonel Robert T. Schneidenbach was inducted into the Air Commando Association Hall of Fame in 1998.

HAYDEN F. SEARS Action Date: February 23, 1968. Air Force Captain 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Captain Hayden F. Sears, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at the United States Marine Combat Support Base, Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 23 February 1968.

On that date, Captain Sears led three airmen in removing a bundle which had closed the runway. Captain Sears and the three airmen removed the bundle during a heavy mortar and rocket attack at great personal risk to their own lives.

The removal of the bundle opened the runway and permitted a C-123 aircraft, which would otherwise have been destroyed by the mortar and rocket attack, to take off.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Sears has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------During his unprecedented three-year tour in Vietnam, Captain Sears participated in four combat jumps.

DELOREAN M. SHERIDAN Action Date: March 11, 2013 Air Force Technical Sergeant 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Delorean M. Sheridan, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on 11 March 2013. On that date, while attached to a United States Special Forces Team, Sergeant Sheridan displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own safety during a coordinated insider insurgent attack. Just prior to departing for a tactical ground movement, an Afghan National Police Officer engaged Sergeant Sheridan and his American and Afghan Special Forces teammates with a truck mounted machine gun from 25 feet away. Simultaneous to this attack, 15 to 20 insurgents located 150 meters south of his position also engaged the base with heavy AK-47 and PKM machine gun fire. With rounds impacting all around him and striking teammates immediately to his left and right, Sergeant Sheridan closed the distance with the shooter and leapt into the back of an armored vehicle in order to engage him. From the turret of the vehicle, Sergeant Sheridan engaged the shooter, twice with his pistol and nine times with an M-4 rifle until the shooter was dead. With the immediate threat neutralized, Sergeant Sheridan quickly exited the vehicle, returning to the kill zone in order to extract his wounded teammates. Sergeant Sheridan maneuvered through the heavy volume of gunfire streaming into the base and grabbed his wounded Team Leader by the shoulder strap, pulling him some 20 feet out of the field of fire to medical assistance. Sergeant Sheridan then transitioned the kill zone, once again moving through heavy insurgent machine gun fire, reaching his Team Sergeant and subsequently dragged him to safety. Still undaunted by the enemy fire, Sergeant Sheridan charged into the kill zone a third time in order to retrieve the infantry squad Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge, pulling him to the casualty collection point. Within the next 30 minutes, Sergeant Sheridan methodically sequenced six medical evacuation aircraft, assisting with the litter transfer of wounded personnel while simultaneously directing close air support and surveillance aircraft. With the medical evacuation complete, Sergeant Sheridan located and directed aircraft to engage insurgents maneuvering towards the friendly location, resulting in four additional enemy fighters killed. Sergeant Sheridan's complete disregard for personal safety and extreme calm under pressure despite grave danger to himself and others directly resulted in saving the lives of 23 critically wounded personnel. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Sheridan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

BILLIE W. SLAYTON Action Date: September 24, 1968 Air Force Staff Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Billie W. Slayton, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Katum Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 24 September 1968.

On that date, Sergeant Slayton repeatedly exposed himself to intense and accurately directed hostile ground fire while controlling incoming resupply aircraft bringing vital munitions and supplies to the beleaguered camp.

Sergeant Slayton assisted in derigging the dropped loads and removing them to the security of the camp. Sergeant Slayton later that day manned a machine gun position that saw an intense ground probe thwarted within 70 yards of his position.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Slayton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------“The three combat controllers were assigned to the 8th Aerial Port Squadron. Their mission for the next week was to help the Air Force re-supply and save the Special Forces camp at Katum.”

MICHAEL C. STOCKDALE Action Date: December 6 - 20, 2001 Air Force Technical Sergeant 24th Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Michael C. Stockdale, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States from 6 December to 20 December 2001. During this period, Sergeant Stockdale excelled in multiple missions where he was directly engaged in combat actions against Taliban and al Qaeda forces. He provided surgical terminal attack control of close air support aircraft at a volume and accuracy not yet seen until this major offensive in the Tora Bora region of Afghanistan. Sergeant Stockdale volunteered to move to the forward most lines of battle to assist the local Afghan opposition group's assault on the key enemy fortified stronghold. While moving to the front, he came under heavy machine gun and 82 millimeter mortar fire as close as 25 meters. Though the other government forces stopped, he continued to press forward with complete disregard to his own personal safety. Positioned in front of the most forward troops, Sergeant Stockdale directed numerous close air support missions against the enemy dug in positions while under intense two-way direct and indirect fire. His actions rallied the other government forces and directly resulted in their most successful single day advance of 1400 meters, seizing the previously impenetrable key enemy stronghold. Sergeant Stockdale expertly controlled well over 300 close air support aircraft sorties of multiple F-15, F-16, B-1, B-52, F-14, AV-8B, and the full combat munitions expenditure of five AC-130 gunships. He skillfully ensured the pinpoint delivery of an incredible 600,000 pounds of munitions on enemy targets. In this 3-day period he averaged 13 hours of uninterrupted close air support control daily, an amazing display of dedication, expertise, and deadly destruction. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Stockdale has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DONALD R. STROBAUGH Action Date: March 30, 1968 Air Force Major 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Major Donald R. Strobaugh, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Combat Control Team Leader directing installation of a Ground Proximity Extraction System at Khe Sanh Combat Support Base, Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1968.

On that date, Major Strobaugh was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding artillery shell when the base came under heavy artillery, rocket, mortar and sniper fire. Realizing the vital need for the immediate use of his extraction system and in spite of his wounds, Major Strobaugh completely disregarded his own personal safety and remained in the center of the incoming fire in order to continue working on the necessary installation and attempt to build sufficient sandbag protection for the equipment.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Strobaugh has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

WALTER J. SMITH Action Date: February 25, 1968 Air Force Airman First Class 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia - The Republic of Vietnam

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Airman First Class Walter J. Smith, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at Khe Sanh Combat Support Base, Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1968.

On that date, Airman Smith repeatedly exposed himself to mortars which threatened the lives of an aircrew and support personnel.

Airman Smith exposed himself to imminent danger of an impending explosion while securing the aforementioned pallets.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

CHARLES P. TAPPERO Action Date: April 30, 1968 U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Cavalry Division Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia – Ah Shau Valley, RVN

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), and by direction of the commander, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army, awards the Silver Star to Charles P. Tappero, 52nd Infantry, Long Range Patrol, for Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

While conducting a reconnaissance patrol on 30 April 1968, in the Ah Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant Tappero's five man squad engaged a large enemy resupply operation. During the close quarters fire fight two soldiers were severely wounded.

Ignoring his own wounds, Sergeant Tappero repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while carrying the two wounded men to a defensive position. He then proceeded to call in air strikes within twenty five meters of his location that were credited with disrupting a major enemy resupply effort.

Sergeant Tappero's quick thinking and disregard for himself and his safety was instrumental in keeping his two wounded comrades alive until reinforcements and medical evacuation arrived.

Sergeant Tappero's heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Army

------After completing four years U.S. Army enlisted service, Colonel Charles P. Tappero was commissioned in the USAF. He spent more than 24 years in Combat Control serving as the commander of the JSOC special tactics unit and commander of the combat control squadron in theater during Desert Storm.

CESAR A. URENDA Action Date: June 23-24, 1970 Air Force Sergeant 8th Aerial Port Squadron Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War - Southeast Asia – Northern Cambodia

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Sergeant Cesar A. Urenda, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at a landing zone in Northern Cambodia, from 23 June 1970 to 24 June 1970.

On those dates, Sergeant Urenda, while working as an Air Traffic Controller, voluntarily exposed himself to hostile mortar fire and ground attacks while working to free a C-123 which was stuck in the mud at this remote field.

He alternately controlled air traffic, dug with hand shovel, and operated a road grader, from his unprotected position in the center of the runway, even though one grader operator had already been lost to sniper fire earlier in the day.

For two days, rocket, mortar and ground attacks were launched against the camp. Sergeant Urenda courageously and without hesitation directed helicopter gunships overhead during these attacks to suppress the advancing hostile forces.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Urenda has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

ISMAEL VILLEGAS Action Date: September 24, 2009 Air Force Technical Sergeant 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

ISMAEL VILLEGAS Action Date: February 6 - 24, 2011 Air Force Technical Sergeant 21st Special Tactics Squadron Pope Field, North Carolina

1st Oak Leaf Cluster awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Ismael Villegas, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near the Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 6 February 2011 to 24 February 2011. During this period, Sergeant Villegas selflessly and repeatedly risked his life during nonstop enemy engagements. When a friendly element was pinned down by hostile fire, Sergeant Villegas, with total disregard for his own personal safety, ran towards the vulnerable troops to gather intelligence on the insurgent fortified positions. Totally exposed to the barrage of enemy fire, he decisively utilized overhead unmanned aerial vehicles and fixed wing close air support to decimate the hostiles delivering a 14,000-pound bombardment. Sergeant Villegas volunteered for a patrol to conduct sensitive site exploitation where his element encountered another hostile assault of recoilless rifle and machine gun rounds impacting within feet of their position. After a Special Forces teammate directly beside him was struck by rocket propelled grenade shrapnel he laid down covering fire and moved to the wounded warrior completely exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire. Sergeant Villegas pulled his teammate behind a wall and placed himself between the adversary and his team as he provided additional cover fire. He controlled fixed wing close air support within 60 meters and danger close to friendly positions in order to disrupt the onslaught long enough for Sergeant Villegas and the rest of the patrol to fight their way out of the kill zone. Over the 18-day mission, riddled with ferocious trench warfare battles, Sergeant Villegas controlled 40 aircraft, delivering over 32,500 pounds of precision ordnance, resulting in 21 enemy confirmed killed in action and destroyed eight fighting positions and two communication repeaters. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Villegas has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

------“The normal person in the Air Force does not live their life outside the wire. These guys live outside the wire,” said Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, AFSOC Commander who noted that most aircraft crews and maintenance specialists live and work on air bases. “But the special tactics community lives outside the wire, and they've been doing so for 12 years.”

ALAN T. YOSHIDA Action Date: November 30, 2001 to December 4, 2001 Air Force Staff Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), awards the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Alan T. Yoshida, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Sayyd Alma Kalay, Afghanistan, from 30 November 2001 to 4 December 2001.

During this period, Sergeant Yoshida rode with the lead element of the Northern Alliance Commander Hamid Karmai's ground force as they advanced and seized the town of Sayyd Alma Kalay. On the night of 3 December 2001, in an attempt to reoccupy the town, Taliban forces launched a major counterattack across the Arghendab River forcing a majority of the Northern Alliance soldiers to retreat to the north.

Over the next eight hours, despite being outnumbered two to one and in grave danger of being overrun, Sergeant Yoshida orchestrated numerous dangerous close air strikes, crushing the Taliban attack and forcing the enemy to retreat to the southern side of the rise, saving both his team members and hundreds of Afghanis in the nearby town.

On 4 December 2001, Sergeant Yoshida, accompanied by friendly forces, attacked a critical hilltop overlooking the only bridge in the sector crossing the Arghendab River. While exposed to intense machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades, Sergeant Yoshida meticulously plotted out the enemy positions, developed aircraft attack restrictions and determined optimal munition selection, resulting in neutralization of the enemy threat, survival of friendly forces and ensuring the strategically vital bridge remained intact.

Sergeant Yoshida's heroic action belayed the fears of his Alliance comrades, prevented a second friendly retreat and directly resulted in the occupation of the critical hilltop by friendly forces. Less than twenty-four hours later, the Taliban requested a cease-fire and sent a delegation to surrender the city Kandahar to Hamid Karmai.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Yoshida has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

DALE C. YOUNG Action Date: May 19-23, 2009 Air Force Staff Sergeant 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Hurlburt Field, Florida

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror Operation Enduring Freedom - South and Central Asia – Afghanistan

Section II

AIR FORCE CROSS

This section of the book is dedicated to those Combat Controllers who were awarded the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy and the dedication to the service of his country. Combat Controllers awarded the Air Force Cross are listed here in chronological order by award date: John Chapman - Posthumously Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

Zachary J. Rhyner Senior Airman, U.S. Air Force

Robert Gutierrez Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

Barry F. Crawford, Jr. Captain, U.S. Air Force

Dustin H. Temple Senior Airman, U.S. Air Force

AIR FORCE CROSS

Background The Air Force Cross decoration was established by Congress, Public Law 88-593, on July 6, 1960, amended Section 8742 of Title 10, U.S. Code to change the designation of Distinguished Service Cross to Air Force Cross in case of awards made under Air Force Authority. This cross, therefore, is the Air Force version of the Distinguished Service Cross. Criteria It is awarded for extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor, to any person, who while serving with the U.S. Air Force while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States, engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States in not a belligerent party.

Medal Description Air Force Cross - Awarded for The decoration was designed by Eleanor Cox, an employee of the Air extraordinary heroism, which Force and was sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of does not justify award of the Medal of Honor. The Air Force Heraldry. It is a bronze cross with an oxidized satin finish. Centered Cross was established by on the cross is a gold-plated American bald eagle, wings displayed Congress on July 6, 1960 as a against a cloud formation (from the Air Force Crest). This design is replacement for the Distinguished Service Cross when the award encircled by a laurel wreath in green enamel, edged in gold. The was made by Air Force. (USAF reverse of the cross is blank and suitable for engraving. Graphic

Ribbon Description

The ribbon has a very wide center stripe of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of white and Old Glory Red at the edges.

Authorized Device: Oak Leaf Cluster:

THE BATTLE OF TAKUR GHAR

An Air Force Cross Story

In the early morning hours of March 4, 2002, on a mountaintop called Takur Ghar in southeastern Afghanistan, al Qaeda soldiers fired on an MH-47E helicopter carrying a Special Operations Forces (SOF) reconnaissance element. This fire resulted in a Navy SEAL, ABH1 Neal Roberts, falling out of the helicopter, and began a chain of events culminating in one of the most intense small-unit firefights of the war against terrorism; the death of all the al Qaeda terrorists defending the mountain top; and, sadly, resulting also in the death of seven U.S. servicemen. Despite these losses, the U.S. forces involved in this fight again distinguished themselves by conspicuous bravery. Their countless acts of heroism demonstrated the best of America’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) as Army, Navy and Air Force special operators fought side by side to save one TSgt Chapman in the days prior to the Takur Ghar operation. of their own, and each other and in the process secured (U.S. Air Force photo) the mountain top and inflicted serious loss on the al Qaeda. U.S. SOF had been monitoring for well over a month a large-scale pocket of forces in the Shah-e-Kot valley, southeast of Gardez, Afghanistan.

In February, the headquarters for U.S. ground forces in Afghanistan, Task Force (TF) Mountain, commanded by MG Hagenback, conceived a classic military “hammer and anvil” maneuver—code-named Operation Anaconda—to clear the threat. U.S. and Afghan forces in Gardiz would push from the West in an effort to clear an area of reported high concentrations of al Qaeda in the western part of the Shah-e-Kot valley. Anaconda planners believed this maneuver would cause the enemy to flee east into the blocking positions of awaiting American soldiers from the 10th Mountain and 101st Airborne Divisions located in the eastern sector of the valley. Augmenting the conventional forces would be small reconnaissance teams.

These teams were drawn from U.S. and Coalition SOF - they included U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Army Special Forces, and U.S. Air Force special tactics operators. The plan was to position these reconnaissance (“recon”) teams at strategic locations where they would establish observation posts (OPs) to provide information on enemy movements and direct air strikes against observed enemy forces. This was done in several locations resulting directly in effective airstrikes on observed al Qaeda positions and the death of hundreds of al Qaeda in the Sahi-Kowt area. ABH1 Neil Roberts served in one of these reconnaissance teams. In war, however, things rarely go exactly as planned - the enemy has a “vote”. Operation Anaconda proved to be no exception. Rather than flee, these disciplined and well trained al Qaeda soldiers stood and fought, and at times were reinforced – all along a series of draws and trails at the southern end of the valley near Marzak, dubbed the “ratline.” The enemy halted the Afghan forces pushing east toward “the Whale” – a distinctive terrain feature southeast of Gardiz – and the Afghan forces then withdrew back to Gardiz. Because of a brief period of bad weather and the unexpectedly heavy enemy resistance, only a portion of the TF Mountain troops

inserted into their intended positions on D-Day. Some of those that did insert fought under intense mortar and small arms fire. SOF, well hidden in their observation posts, used direct fire weapons, and coordinated close air support bombing onto enemy fighting positions. This provided some relief for the TF Mountain forces, especially in the south at Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ) Ginger east of Marzak. MG Hagenbeck repositioned his soldiers to the northern end of the Shah-e-Kot valley and attacked the al Qaeda from this direction. As the battle became more fluid, TF Mountain recognized the need to put U.S. “eyes” on the southern tip of the valley and the “ratline.” They needed additional observation posts near HLZ Ginger to provide surveillance and to call in U.S. air power on the numerous concentrations of enemy forces. An 11,000-foot, snow-capped mountain, named Takur Ghar, appeared to U.S. planners as a perfect location for an observation post. It dominated the southern approaches to the valley and offered excellent visibility into Marzak, two kilometers to the West. The mountaintop also provided an unobstructed view of the “Whale” on the other side of the valley. Takur Ghar was a perfect site for an observation post, and unfortunately, the enemy thought so too. The enemy had installed a well-concealed, fortified force, which included a heavy machine gun perfectly positioned to shoot down coalition aircraft flying in the valley below.

Graphic from Wikipedia the free on-line encyclopedia On 2 March 2002, U.S. forces began planning to insert forces into two observation posts the following night. Two MH-47Es from 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) would insert two teams; one MH-47E - Razor 04, would emplace a team to the north while the other MH-47E - Razor 03, would deploy a team of U.S. SEALs and an Air Force combat controller (CCT) on Takur Ghar. Late the next evening, the two helicopters took off from their base north of “the box”, as American soldiers knew the Anaconda operational area.

At approximately 0300 local time, Razor 03, carrying ABH1 Roberts’ team, approached its HLZ in a small saddle atop Takur Ghar. Originally planned to go in earlier to an offset HLZ, maintenance problems with one of the helicopters and a nearby B-52 strike in support of TF Mountain delayed the insert. As Razor 03 approached, both the pilots and the men in the back observed fresh tracks in the snow, goatskins, and other signs of recent human activity. Immediately, the pilots and team discussed a mission abort, but it was too late. An RPG struck the side of the aircraft, wounding one crewman, while machinegun bullets ripped through the fuselage, cutting hydraulic and oil lines. Fluid spewed about the ramp area of the helicopter. The pilot struggled to get the Chinook off the landing zone and away from the enemy fire. Neil Roberts stood closest to the ramp, poised to exit onto the landing zone. Roberts and an

aircrew member were knocked off balance by the explosions and the sudden burst of power applied by the pilot. As Neil and the crewman reached to steady each other, both slipped on the oil-soaked ramp and fell out of the helicopter. As the pilots fought to regain control of the helicopter, other crewmembers pulled the tethered crewmember back into the aircraft. Un-tethered, Neil fell approximately 5-10 feet onto the snowy mountaintop below. The crew managed to keep the aircraft aloft until it became apparent it could fly no more. The pilots executed a controlled crash landing some seven kilometers north of where Petty Officer Roberts fell off the helicopter. He was now alone and in the midst of an enemy force.

Nobody knows exactly what transpired over the next few minutes on that mountaintop. There were no surveillance aircraft over the mountaintop at the time Roberts fell from the helicopter. Based on forensic evidence subsequently gathered from the scene, it is believed Roberts survived the short fall from the helicopter, likely activated his signaling device, and engaged the enemy with his squad automatic weapon (SAW). He was mortally injured by gunfire as the enemy closed in on him. Meanwhile, following Razor 03’s controlled crash landing, the SEALs did a quick head count that confirmed what they already knew—Petty Officer Roberts was missing. TSgt John Chapman, the team’s Air Force combat controller, immediately contacted a nearby AC-130 for protection. A short time later, Razor 04, after inserting its “recon” team, arrived on the scene and picked up the downed crewmen and SEALs, taking them to Gardez. The SEALs and pilots of Razor 04 quickly formulated a plan to go back in and rescue Roberts, despite the fact that they knew a force of heavily armed al Qaeda manned positions on Takur Ghar. An AC-130 gunship moved to Takur Ghar and reported seeing what they believed to be Roberts, surrounded by four to six other individuals. Knowing how the al Qaeda brutally treated prisoners, Roberts’ teammates and commanders knew that time was running out on Neil Roberts. Razor 04, with its cargo of five SEALs and TSgt Chapman, departed Gardiz and returned to Roberts’ last known location on the mountaintop. There were no known nearby, suitable landing zones - other than where Roberts had fallen. Inserting the rescue team at the base of the mountain was not an option – they would lose valuable time making the 2 to 3 hour climb up the mountain. Their only real chance of success was to reinsert in the same proximity of where Razor 03 had taken intense enemy fire.

At about 0500 local time, Razor 04 approached the HLZ atop of Takur Ghar. Despite enemy fire cutting through the MH-47E, all six members of what had been a “recon” element were safely inserted, and the helicopter, although damaged, returned to base. Once on the ground near Roberts’ last known location, and using the waning darkness for cover, the team assessed the situation and moved quickly to the high ground. The most prominent features on the hilltop were a large rock and tree. As they approached the tree, TSgt Chapman saw two enemy personnel in a fortified position under the tree. TSgt Chapman and a nearby SEAL opened fire, killing both enemy personnel. The Americans immediately began taking fire from another bunker position some 20 meters away. A burst of gunfire hit Chapman, mortally wounding him. The SEALs returned fire and threw hand grenades into the enemy bunker position to their immediate front. As the firefight continued, two of the SEALs were wounded by enemy gunfire and grenade fragmentation. Finding themselves in a deadly crossfire with 2 of their teammates seriously wounded and one killed and clearly outnumbered, the SEALs decided to disengage. They shot two more al Qaeda as they moved off the mountain peak to the Northeast - with one of the wounded SEALs taking “point.” As they moved partly down the side of the mountain for protection, a SEAL contacted the overhead AC-130—GRIM 32—and requested fire support. GRIM 32 responded with covering fire as the SEALs withdrew.

Back at the US staging base, the Ranger quick reaction force (QRF)—a designated unit on standby for just such situations, was put on alert and directed to move forward to a safe landing zone at Gardiz. This was to position them closer to the fight, within 15 minutes response time. The 23-man QRF loaded on two waiting MH-47Es: Razor 01 and Razor 02. Razor 01 carried 10 Rangers, an enlisted tactical air controller (ETAC), a combat controller (CCT) and a Pararescueman (PJ). Razor 02 carried 10 Rangers. Taking off from their base, the QRF had little knowledge about what was actually happening on Takur Ghar due to very limited communications. As the QRF flew toward Gardiz, the embattled SEALs, withdrawing from Takur Ghar, requested their immediate assistance. Headquarters approved the request and directed the QRF to proceed quickly to the problem area and insert their team at an “offset” HLZ - not the same landing zone where Razors 03 and 04 had taken fire. Due to intermittently functioning aircraft communications equipment, the Rangers and helicopter crews never received the “offset” instructions that also hampered attempts to provide tactical situational awareness to the QRF commander aboard Razor 01. Communications problems too plagued headquarters’ attempts to determine the true condition of the SEAL team and their exact location. As a consequence, the Rangers forward believed that the SEALs were still located on top of Takur Ghar, proceeding to the same location where both Razors 03 and 04 had taken enemy fire.

At about 0545 local, Razor 01 and 02 flew toward the Takur Ghar landing zone. At this point, the QRF was unaware that a squad of al Qaeda fighters, who by this time had already killed two Americans, were poised and expecting their arrival. The sun was just beginning to crest the mountains to the east when Razor 01 approached from the south. On final approach, an RPG round exploded on the right side of the helicopter, while small arms fire peppered it from three directions. The pilots attempted to abort the landing, but the aircraft had taken too much damage. The right side mini-gunner, Sgt Phil Svitak, opened fire but was hit by an AK-47 round and died almost immediately. The helicopter dropped ten feet and landed hard on the snow-covered slope of the landing zone. Both pilots were seriously wounded as they crash- landed their crippled aircraft.

The helicopter nose was pointing up the hill toward the main enemy bunkers - where TSgt Chapman had been killed. The impact of the crash knocked everyone to the helicopter floor. The Rangers, CCT and the eight-man Chinook crew struggled under intense fire to get up and out of the helicopter fuselage. The rear door gunner and a Ranger opened fire out the back of the aircraft, killing an al Qaeda soldier. Sgt Brad Crose and CPL Matt Commons survived the initial landing but were struck and killed by enemy fire The helicopter nose was pointing up the hill toward the main as they exited the rear of the aircraft. Another Ranger, enemy bunkers. From the painting, The Battle of Takur Ghar by SPC Marc Anderson, was hit while still inside the Keith Rocco, Kentucky National Guard Heritage Series aircraft, dying instantly. (Released)

Despite the intense small arms fire, the PJ, Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, and another medic remained inside the helicopter and began treating the wounded. At the same time, the surviving Rangers quickly assembled at the helicopter ramp to assess the situation and fix the enemy locations. Using their M-4s, the Rangers killed two more al Qaeda, including an RPG gunner. Using natural rock outcroppings as cover, they began maneuvering to better positions. The Ranger platoon leader formulated a plan to assault the bunkers on top of the hill - but after an initial attempt to do so, he quickly realized he would need a larger force. Instead, Air Force combat controller Staff Sgt Gabe Brown worked to get close air support on station. Within (L to R) TSgt Keary Miller, Senior Airman Jason minutes, U.S. aircraft began to bomb and strafe the enemy Cunningham and Staff Sgt Gabe Brown in the weeks positions, dropping 500 lb. bombs within 50 meters of the SOF before the battle of Takur Ghar. Behind them is a positions. By 7 am local time, the Rangers were no longer in MH-47E, the same type of helicopter that took them to danger of being overrun. They consolidated their position and Takur Ghar. (U.S. Air Force photo) established a casualty collection point to the rear of the helicopter.

After the shoot down of Razor 01, Razor 02 was directed to move to a safe area and await further instructions. Later, Razor 02 inserted the other half of the QRF with its force of 10 Rangers and an additional Navy SEAL at an “offset” landing zone, down the mountain some 800 meters east and over 2,000 feet below the mountaintop. The Navy SEAL linked up with the SEAL “recon” element, which was by now some 1,000 meters from the mountaintop. The Rangers’ movement up the hill was a physically demanding 2-hour effort under heavy mortar fire and in thin mountain air. They climbed the 45-70 degree slope, most of it covered in three feet of snow, weighed down by their weapons, body armor and equipment.

By 1030, the men were completely exhausted, but still had to defeat the enemy controlling the top of the hill - a mere 50 meters from their position. With the arrival of the ten men of Razor 02, the Rangers prepared to assault the enemy bunkers. As the Air Force combat controllers called in a last airstrike on the enemy bunkers and with two machineguns providing suppression fire, seven Rangers stormed the hill as quickly as they could in the knee-deep snow - shooting

and throwing grenades. Within minutes, the Rangers took the hill, killing multiple al Qaeda. The Rangers began to consolidate their position on the top of the mountain, which the platoon leader deemed more defendable and safer for their wounded. The Rangers, Army crewmembers, and Air Force personnel began moving the wounded up the steep slope; it took four to six men to move one casualty – it was a difficult and slow process.

As the soldiers moved the wounded, additional al Qaeda began firing from a small ridgeline some 400 meters to the rear of the downed helicopter’s position. The wounded at the casualty collection point were completely exposed to the enemy fire, as were the PJ and medic tending to them. While the Rangers maneuvered to return fire, enemy fire struck the Army medic and PJ at the casualty collection point as they worked on their patients. Rangers and helicopter crewmen alike risked their lives, exposing themselves to enemy fire, to pull the wounded to the relative safety of nearby rocks. Once again, the combat controller called in close air support, and a few well-placed bombs and Ranger machinegun fire eventually silenced the enemy fire. Unfortunately, this attack claimed another life. The stricken PJ, Senior Airman Jason Cunningham eventually succumbed to his wounds. Throughout the ensuing hours, the Americans continued to take sporadic sniper and mortar fire.

The Rangers consolidated their position, moved their dead and wounded to the top of the hill, and waited for a night extraction. The enemy air defense and ground situation in the vicinity of Takur Ghar did not lend itself to another daylight rescue attempt using helicopters. Throughout the day, observation posts on adjoining hilltops, manned by Australian and American SOF, called in fire on al Qaeda forces attempting to reinforce the mountaintop.

At about 2015, four helicopters from the 160th SOAR extracted both the Rangers on Takur Ghar and the SEALs down the mountainside. Two hours later, the survivors and their fallen comrades were back at their base. A team of experienced medical staff of the 274th Forward Surgical Team, operating out of the Bagram airport tower, awaited the eleven wounded personnel. Their quick and professional medical treatment likely saved the hand of a wounded pilot. By morning, all the wounded were headed to hospitals in Germany and elsewhere. Operation Anaconda would continue for another 19 days. These same units continued to play a decisive role in defeating the al Qaeda in the largest Coalition ground combat operation thus far in the war against terrorism.

Dayton, Ohio - The Warrior Airmen exhibit, highlighting the Battle at Takur Ghar, on display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

POPE COMBAT CONTROLLER AWARDED AIR FORCE CROSS a Takur Ghar story by Airman 1st Class Jason A. Neal, 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

13 January 2003 - Pope Air Force Base, N.C. (AFPN) -- Senior Air Force leaders awarded the Air Force Cross to Tech. Sgt. John Chapman here Jan. 10.

Chapman, a combat controller killed in Afghanistan while saving the lives of his entire team, was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which is second only to the Medal of Honor as an award for valor.

Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche said Chapman was "an American's American" and a hero.

TSgt John Chapman (Air Force photo)

"We gather today to pay tribute to the heroic efforts of Technical Sergeant John Chapman," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper. "Today we know that John is here with us."

Jumper presented the Air Force Cross to Chapman's widow, Valerie. Chapman's parents, Terry Giaccone and Gene Chapman, each received one of the medals from the chief of staff. . The Air Force Cross has been awarded to 23 enlisted airmen, only three of those since the Vietnam conflict.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray said, "Such is the high degree of heroism for the merit of this medal's award." Chapman and his team were inserted by helicopter into an area of Afghanistan on March 4 for a mission. During insertion, the helicopter came under heavy machine-gun fire and was directly hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. The grenade caused a Navy SEAL team member to fall from the aircraft.

The helicopter was severely damaged and made an emergency landing seven kilometers away from where the SEAL fell.

After landing, Chapman called in an AC-130 gunship to provide close-air support and cover the stranded team before directing the gunship to search for the missing team member.

Chapman called for, coordinated and controlled an evacuation helicopter for the team, limiting their exposure to enemy fire.

According to the award citation, Chapman volunteered to rescue the missing team member without regard for his own life. He engaged and killed two enemy personnel then continued advancing until engaging a dug-in machine gun nest.

"At this time, the rescue team came under effective enemy fire from three directions," read the citation. Chapman exchanged fire at close range with the enemy until succumbing to multiple wounds. "His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement on the second enemy position enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact."

The team leader credited Chapman's aggressive and selfless actions with saving the lives of the entire team.

After the award ceremony, Gene Chapman spoke of how his son always called him "ole man," rather than old man. He then told of his last conversation with his son.

"It was March 1, four days before he died. He called, and I heard that, 'Hey ole man,'" Gene Chapman said as his eyes began filling with tears. "I told him 'what are you calling me for? I told you to talk to Val and the kids if you could call.' He said, 'I took care of that. I only have a minute and a half, and I just wanted to hear your voice.' That was the last time I talked with him."

The President of the United States Takes Pride in Presenting The Air Force Cross (Posthumously) To John Chapman Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, U.S.C., awards the Air Force Cross to TSgt John Chapman for extraordinary heroism in military operation against an armed enemy of the United States as a 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Combat Controller in the vicinity of Gardez, in the eastern highlands of Afghanistan, on 4 March 2002. On this date, during his helicopter insertion for a reconnaissance and time sensitive targeting close air support mission, Sergeant Chapman's aircraft came under heavy machine gun fire and received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade which caused a United States Navy sea-air-land team member to fall from the aircraft. Though heavily damaged, the aircraft egressed the area and made an emergency landing seven kilometers away. Once on the ground Sergeant Chapman established communication with an AC-130 gunship to insure the area was secure while providing close air support coverage for the entire team. He then directed the gunship to begin the search for the missing team member. He requested, coordinated, and controlled the helicopter that extracted the stranded team and aircrew members. These actions limited the exposure of the aircrew and team to hostile fire. Without regard for his own life Sergeant Chapman volunteered to rescue his missing team member from an enemy strong hold. Shortly after insertion, the team made contact with the enemy. Sergeant Chapman engaged and killed two enemy personnel. He continued to advance reaching the enemy position then engaged a second enemy position, a dug- in machine gun nest. At this time the rescue team came under effective enemy fire from three directions. From close range he exchanged fire with the enemy from minimum personal cover until he succumbed to multiple wounds. His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement on the second position enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact. In his own words, his Navy sea-air-land team leader credits Sergeant Chapman unequivocally with saving the lives of the entire rescue team. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy and the dedication to the service of his country, Sergeant Chapman reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

THE BATTLE OF SHOK VALLEY

An Air Force Cross Story

The Battle of Shok Valley, also known as Operation COMMANDO WRATH, was a joint US-Afghan raid designed to kill or capture Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG) in the Shok Valley of Nuristan Province of Afghanistan on 6 April 2008. Ten Special Forces soldiers and their combat cameraman were awarded the Silver Star for bravery, the greatest number of such awards for a single battle since the Vietnam War. In addition Senior Airman Zachary Rhyner, ODA 3336's attached Air Force Combat Controller, was awarded the Air Force Cross.

The decided battle plan called for the Afghan commandos Afghan National Army led by American Special Forces soldiers inserted into the valley via helicopter. From there they were to move on foot to the terraced slopes around the fortified town and take the HIG forces by surprise. The coalition's CH-47 Chinook helicopters were unable to land so their soldiers were forced to jump from the hovering helicopters. Due to the austere and barren nature of the valley HIG forces immediately spotted the incoming US and ANA forces and had several minutes to set up ambush positions.

While attempting to infiltrate the stronghold, along a sheer-sided agricultural terrace, Staff Sgt Luis Morales was the first to observe armed insurgents moving along the ridge and opened the first salvo of automatic fire on the enemy. The unit came under heavy enemy attack rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and machine-gun fire from Then Senior Airman Rhyner. HIG positions. The initial salvo of machine gun fire was aimed at the (Air Force Photo) command element in the American line. Immediately, the unit's interpreter was killed and one of the Special Forces communications sergeants was badly wounded. Now pinned down, the US and ANA forces responded with small arms and sniper fire. After an Afghan commando was incapacitated while attempting to render aid to the wounded and pinned communications sergeants, the ODA's combat cameraman, Specialist Michael Carter, ran through the open to recover the wounded soldier while the element's commanding officer, Captain Kyle Walton, provided cover fire. The two then switched roles in providing cover in order to recover the second wounded soldier. While the lead elements engaged HIG positions, Walton knew he would require close air support and so again provided cover while Carter ran out to recover the unit's communications gear.

With the communications gear restored, the ODA's attached combat controller began directing close air support from orbiting F-15E Strike Eagles and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters onto HIG targets. Over the course of the battle, Rhyner, the combat controller, would direct over 70 danger close air strikes. Rhyner used the F-15s as observation platforms, their avionics systems acting as reconnaissance tools. While the air strikes were hitting the fortified town, a massive explosion occurred in one of the buildings, causing a temporary lull in the fighting. The rear elements of the Special Forces detachment used this as an opportunity to maneuver into new positions and begin sniper fire on HIG heavy weapons positions. While providing first aid to SGT Behr, the ODA's Intelligence Sergeant, Luis Morales, was struck in the thigh. SSGT Morales calmly applied a tourniquet and returned to giving care. A second shot went through Morales' boot at the ankle blowing out bone and severing the Achilles (Morales would later lose his foot). In the ensuring firefight, SGT John Wayne Walding has his leg nearly severed by single shot. Walding applied a tourniquet to his leg, auto-injected morphine and folded his mangled leg upward into his crotch and tied two bootlaces to his belt in order to retain his ability to move and shoot.

By this time, the F-15 overhead reported a massive reinforcement element moving in the valley. With daylight running out, several wounded soldiers, ammunition running short and the weather beginning to turn, the ODA began to scout an exfiltration route to an extraction zone. Carter and the ODA's Team Sergeant, Scott Ford, were scouting a route down the sheer terraces when Ford was hit twice by sniper fire, one of the shots nearly severing his left arm. As the combined Afghan and American forces withdrew down the mountain, the ODA's sniper, commanding officer and their combat cameraman remained behind to collect or destroy weapons that could not be carried. The ODA sniper covered the withdrawal before making his way to the extraction zone.

In all, the battle lasted for seven hours. The primary target of the action, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, was not captured.

ZACK RHYNER ACTIONS

Then Senior Airman, Sergeant Rhyner was part of the 100+-man combined assault force whose mission was to enter Shok Valley and capture a high-value target, the man who was funding the insurgency. Sergeant Rhyner is credited with saving the10-man team from being overrun twice in a six-and-a-half-hour battle.

Air Force Captain Stewart Parker, special tactics commander at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, was the command- and-control link to the JTACs on the ground as they went into Shok Valley. "This was the first time U.S. special operations forces entered the territory," said Captain Parker. "These were extraordinary conditions and the situation was dynamic."

Shok Valley is located below 60-foot cliffs. The mission objective was at the top of the mountains surrounding the valley. "Initial infiltration began that day with snow on the ground, jagged rocks, a fast-moving river and a cliff," said Sergeant Rhyner. "There was a 5-foot wall you had to pull yourself up. The ridgeline trail was out of control."

The expectation was to encounter fire from about 70 insurgents. Consequently, one Air Force JTAC-qualified combat controller was attached to each team to call in air strikes, if needed.

"We were caught off guard as 200 enemy fighters approached," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Rob Gutierrez, a combat controller with the second team in the fight. "Within 10 minutes, we were ambushed with heavy fire from 50 meters. The teams were split by a river 100 to 200 meters apart, north to south."

Sergeant Rhyner was in charge of coordinating the air assets.

"I have never seen a situation this bad," said Captain Parker, who was monitoring the situation back at the base. "The intelligence said the enemy was 40 feet away from Zach and his team at one point. It was dangerous."

Within the first 15 minutes of fire, Sergeant Rhyner was wounded along with three team members. "I was pulling security when I got shot in the leg," he said. "The rounds hit my left thigh and went through my leg and hit another guy in the foot." He immediately felt pain and adrenalin. "There was nowhere to go. I grabbed the wounded guys, but we were trapped by the enemy," he said. "I was calling in air strikes and firing, while moving the wounded down [the cliff]."

Sergeant Gutierrez could see insurgent fire coming from the buildings on the hilltops above them and was trying to get across the river to meet up with Sergeant Rhyner. "Zach and I were in constant radio contact," he said. "I could hear the automatic weapons fire, sniper fire and rocket-propelled grenades with multiple blasts. We tried to push to the north to collocate with Zach's team, but every time we pushed up river, it put us in an open line of fire."

"My team ran across the freezing river. The water came off the mountains and we were 100 to 200 feet beneath the enemy, like fish in a barrel," said Sergeant Gutierrez. As the enemy surrounded them, Sergeant Rhyner, who was being treated for his injuries by Captain Kyle Walton, the Special Forces team leader, directed multiple rockets and gun runs from AH-64 helicopters against enemy positions.

"Zach was coordinating tremendous amounts of fire on both villages simultaneously," said Sergeant Gutierrez. "Zach was in charge of the air strikes, since he was closest to the fight and could see even what the F-15 pilots could not."

Forty-five minutes to an hour had gone by since the fight began.

"We were pinned down and I could see the enemy all over the hills running around," said Sergeant Gutierrez. There were no stable targets. I kept the Apaches and the Hellfire missiles pressed to the north."

Accurate sniper, machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire poured down on the assault force in a complex ambush initiated simultaneously from all directions as the team ascended the near-vertical terrain. He called in more than 50 close air strikes and strafing runs.

Three hours into the fight, Sergeant Gutierrez reached Sergeant Rhyner's position.

"Sergeant Gutierrez and I met on the cliff during the battle briefly. We shared a laugh, but it was a busy, bleak situation," Sergeant Rhyner said.

Sergeant Rhyner had been calling in air strikes for three hours while he was injured, however he still felt responsible for the others who had been hurt. With disregard for his own life, he tried to get the injured to safety, still in the open line of fire.

"I left injured personnel in a house and I had to get over there," he said. "I was frustrated being wounded. I tried to get the bombs there fast and talk to the pilots who didn't see what I saw on the ground."

Five or six hours into the fight, as it was getting dark, intelligence informed the JTACs that enemy reinforcements were 10 kilometers away carrying enemy rockets and missiles.

"We continued to fight our way up the hill and the [helicopters] came," said Sergeant Gutierrez. "Zach was talking to the helos and gave the coordinates to lay the bombs on the village, while I kept the A-10s and the Apaches out of the way."

Sergeant Rhyner called in a total of 4,570 rounds of cannon fire, nine Hellfire missiles, 162 rockets, 12 500-pound bombs and one 2,000-pound bomb, constantly engaging the enemy with his M-4 rifle to deter their advance.

"Zach acted fast and shut down the fighting," said Sergeant Gutierrez. "The wounded were taken out on medevac."

Back at command and control, Captain Parker heard that the helicopters were on the ground with the wounded but he could not move the helicopters due to terrain and weather conditions.

"Radio transmissions would block the signal due to terrain and vertical cliffs," he said. "Helicopters were vulnerable and there was pressure to do everything we could to get the teams out quickly

Fog started rolling into the valley.

"The helicopter couldn't fly [due to altitude] and the situation called for 'aggressive patience,'" said Captain Parker. "More than 50 percent of the U.S. forces were wounded and it was pretty grave."

Toward the end of the fighting 40 insurgents were killed and 100 wounded.

Sergeant Rhyner was directly credited with the entire team's survival due to his skill and poise under intense fire. "Sergeant Rhyner is out of training less than a year and is in one of the most difficult situations" said Captain Parker. "It is an absolute testament to his character and the training these guys get in the pipeline. It tells me we are doing something right."

"If it wasn't for Zach, I wouldn't be here," said Sergeant Gutierrez.

RHYNER RECEIVES AIR FORCE CROSS, PURPLE HEART

Tears stood in Sue Rhyner's eyes as she talked about her son, who, in a ceremony March 10 here received the Air Force Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by the service, and a Purple Heart.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., received the medal for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring Freedom before a crowd of hundreds dotted with combat controllers' red berets.

The decoration is second only to the Medal of Honor, and is awarded by the president.

"This is overwhelming. I couldn't be prouder," Ms. Rhyner said. "Zach is part of an awesome group of individuals who personify teamwork; something he learned early on being one of five children."

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley presented Sergeant Rhyner the Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley presents Staff Sgt Zachary Rhyner the Air Force Cross for his actions Cross March 10 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Sergeant Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics during an intense 6.5- Squadron received the medal for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. The Air Force has not awarded the decoration in more than six years.

"Your actions are now and forever woven into the rich fabric of service, integrity and excellence that has connected generations of America's Airmen since the very inception of airpower," Secretary Donley said to Sergeant Rhyner.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presents Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner a Purple Heart March 10 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Sergeant Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron received the medal and the Air Force Cross for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring Freedom for his actions during an intense 6.5-hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo) "Rarely do we present an Airman with the Air Force Cross, let alone a Purple Heart, and with good reason. The Air Force Cross is reserved for those who demonstrate unparalleled valor in the face of insurmountable odds."

Secretary Donley added that among the millions who have served, only 192 Air Force Crosses have been awarded.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz also presented Sergeant Rhyner with the Purple Heart. General Schwartz said Special Forces Soldiers lived to tell the story of the Shok Valley battle thanks to the courage, tenacity, teamwork, as well as the invaluable and selfless efforts of Sergeant Rhyner.

Despite injuries he sustained as the result of persistent insurgent fire, Sergeant Rhyner coordinated more than 50 aerial attacks to continuously repel the enemy during the beleaguering battle that occurred during his first deployment. According to the decoration citation, Sergeant Rhyner "provided suppressive fire with his M-4 rifle against enemy fire while fellow teammates were extracted from the line of fire."

"The team survived this hellish scene ... not by chance, not by luck and not by the failings of a weak or timid foe," General Schwartz said.

The general spoke emotionally and with gratitude for the team's devotion to duty and courage in the line of fire.

"A grateful nation could not be more proud for what you do and no doubt what you will do," the general said.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner addresses the crowd after receiving the Air Force Cross and a Purple Heart as Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz watch March 10 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Sgt. Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron received the medals for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring Freedom for his actions during an intense 6.5-hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Lt. Col. Michael Martin, the 21st STS Commander, echoed the efforts of Sergeant Rhyner and the aviators from above. "Zach -- systematically with (F-15E) Strike Eagles, A-10 (Thunderbolt IIs) and AH-64 (Apaches) -- unleashed hell on the enemy," Colonel Martin said. "The enemy had the proverbial high ground that day on those mountain ridge lines, but it was the aviators in the sky who truly held the highest ground."

Colonel Martin credited the 335th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., and the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, for providing critical close-air support during the battle. Sergeant Rhyner's demonstration of teamwork among his colleagues and flying units was the linear theme of the ceremony.

For the same battle, an unprecedented 10 Special Forces soldiers received Silver Stars, the Army's third highest award for valor in combat.

In addition to earlier awards, Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner, received the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs’ Grateful Nation Award from Adm. Michael C. Mullen in December 2008. Rhyner is the third airman to receive the Air Force Cross since 2001. (Department of Defense photo)

"It all boils down to teamwork," Colonel Martin said to Sergeant Rhyner. "You did exactly what you get paid to do -- kill the enemy -- and you did a damned good job."

Perhaps Sergeant Rhyner's heroism is bested only by his humility.

"Any other combat controller in the same position would've done just what I did," said the NCO who was a senior airman at the time of the battle.

Sergeant Rhyner's father, Paul Rhyner, said he now has only one expectation for his son and other Special Forces members in future missions.

"Come home safe; all of you," the elder Rhyner said.

The President of the United States Takes Pride in Presenting The Air Force Cross To Zachary J. Rhyner Senior Airman, U.S. Air Force

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, at Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on 6 April 2008. On that date, while assigned as Special Tactics Combat Controller, Airman Rhyner executed a day rotary-wing infiltration with his Special Forces team to capture high-value insurgents in a village on the surrounding mountains. While climbing near vertical terrain to reach their objective, the team was attacked in a well-coordinated and deadly ambush. Devastating sniper, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire poured down on the team from elevated and protected positions on all sides, immediately pinning down the assault force. Without regard for his life, Airman Rhyner placed himself between the most immediate threats and provided suppressive fire with his M-4 rifle against enemy fire while fellow teammates were extracted from the line of fire. Airman Rhyner bravely withstood the hail of enemy fire to control eight United States Air Force fighters and four United States Army attack helicopters. Despite a gunshot wound to the left leg and being trapped on a 60-foot cliff under constant enemy fire, Airman Rhyner controlled more than 50 attack runs and repeatedly repelled the enemy with repeated danger close air strikes, several within 100 meters of his position. Twice, his actions prevented his element from being overrun during the intense 6 and a half hour battle. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Airman Rhyner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

THE BATTLE AT HERAT CITY An Air Force Cross Story

In a raging firefight in Afghanistan’s Herat province on October 5, 2009, Air Force Combat Controller Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez, Jr. took a wound and lost nearly half the blood in his body while bullets and rocket propelled grenades whizzed around him. After a medic jammed a syringe into his collapsed lung, Gutierrez continued communicating and fighting. He is credited with saving the lives of a dozen U.S. soldiers in his Special Forces unit. The Special Forces troops were out to get the No. 2 Taliban commander in the region, but were pinned down and outgunned until Gutierrez set an example by refusing to die or to give up.

“I don’t know of another example of such extraordinary courage and persistence,” said retired Air Force Colonel Bob Lind, a historian who studies awards and decorations. Told that Gutierrez was scheduled to receive the Air Force Cross on October 28, 2011, Lind said, “Many believe this young man should be awarded the Medal of Honor.”

“As the war in Afghanistan enters its eleventh year, Gutierrez will be only the fourth airman to receive the nation’s second highest award for valor during a combat action in that country. No one in the Air Force has been awarded the Medal of Honor since Vietnam”, according to Lind. Gutierrez at work in Afghanistan. REMINDED ME OF WHY I ENLISTED (USAF photo)

Gutierrez, a native of Chula Vista, California, was one of five service members – all of whom enlisted after 9/11 – chosen to accompany Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on September 6, 2011 to ceremonies at the Pentagon, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and ground zero in Manhattan where hijackers crashed airliners in the attacks on September 11, 2001. According to a Pentagon spokesman, Panetta’s visit to the attack sites was meant as a remembrance of those who perished in the attacks and to emphasize the concept of service to the nation.

Gutierrez told reporters the visit to ground zero “reminded me why I enlisted.” Gutierrez said he tried to enlist the day after the attacks, but the recruiting stations were closed. When they reopened, a waiting list quickly formed because of the rush of people wanting to sign up for the military, he said. His own enlistment was final about six months after the attacks.

His fateful battle in Herat province was not his first, nor was it the first time he has been decorated for valor. In January 2008, he was in a convoy that came under fire along a mountain road in Afghanistan. Gutierrez called in F-16s and A-10s. Gutierrez during a convoy operation. (USAF Photo) During the fight, when his team leader was incapacitated and another team member was wounded and stranded in the enemy kill zone, Gutierrez engaged and killed four insurgents with his M4 carbine. He orchestrated strafing runs, adding AH-64 Apache battlefield helicopters to the mix. Said the Air Force: “During the engagement, Sergeant Gutierrez synchronized air strikes, utilized UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] and his team’s organic firepower to

effectively incapacitate more than 240 insurgent enemy fighters including a ‘high-value target,’ the objective of the entire mission.” The exact date, location and names of other participants have not been released. For the, January 2008 action Gutierrez received the Bronze Star with “V” device, signifying valor.

AIR FORCE CROSS ANNOUNCEMENT

After news of the pending Air Force Cross award appeared in Air Force Times and elsewhere, officials sought to keep a lid on it in order to announce the award at the Air Force Association convention scheduled for mid-month. Air Force Officials contacted for this article wouldn’t comment on any aspect of the Gutierrez story, but that didn’t prevent observers from suggesting that Gutierrez should receive the Medal of Honor instead. No airman has yet received the nation’s top award for valor for action in Afghanistan, but Gutierrez’s combat action is similar to two actions by enlisted airmen in Southeast Asia in the 1960s that earned the top award.

“This is one of several actions involving members in different service branches where the Medal of Honor is the only thing that fits the situation,” said Doug Sterner, a historian and leading expert on military medals. “The Pentagon has made the awards process too cumbersome and commanders are sometimes deterred from recommending the medal because of the paperwork and the required investigation.” Sterner said Gutierrez’s action is an exact fit for the language that appears in a citation when the medal is awarded – “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.”

THREE MINUTES TO CHANGE THE WORLD

As the only qualified joint terminal attack controller in an operation October 5, 2009, an Air Force Special Operations Command combat controller knew the ground situation would be dire if he died. As an armor-piercing round entered his left shoulder and wreaked havoc throughout his chest, he said his focus wasn't on his young family in North Carolina. It was on his team.

"I've seen those types of injuries before and time isn't your friend," said the Air Force Cross recipient Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. "I thought -- I have three minutes before I'm going to die. I've got to do something big. Based on that time frame, I'm going to change the world in three minutes."

The team of 30 U.S. Army Special Forces and Afghan National Army commandos was surrounded in a "Taliban- sympathetic village" in the Herat province of Afghanistan. According to officials' reports, enemy fighters were positioned on rooftops just 10-feet from the team's position inside a neighboring building. Gutierrez was shot during the 4-hour firefight that included sniper and small-arms fire as well as rocket propelled grenades.

As the combat controller, Gutierrez was the only qualified radio operator communicating with Airmen overhead to provide close-air support and real-time battlefield surveillance that was critical for the team mission and to be able to evacuate their wounded.

"Combat controllers are the air-to-ground interface, bringing the firepower and communications links to the ground force commander," Gutierrez said. "We bring an extraordinary amount of firepower in a small package (that is) able to shoot, move and communicate at the same time."

Believing he was about to die, the San Diego native refused to remove his body armor, which held his radio, despite two medics repeatedly ordering him to take it off so his wounds could be treated. Gutierrez only relented momentarily, allowing the medic to insert a needle decompression tube just below his collar bone.

A sucking chest wound, which is common in gunshot victims, fills the chest cavity with blood, collapsing the lungs. The medic's procedure released the growing pressure on his collapsed lung, allowing Gutierrez to breathe and speak - - so he got back on the radio. He continued to advise the ground force commander and request close air support of F- 16 Fight Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs overhead. A-10 pilot said Gutierrez's voice was calm the entire time, and he only knew of his injuries when the team was moving to the medical evacuation landing zone.

"I realized he was shot after the third (and final) strafe pass," said Captain Ethan Sabin, then assigned to the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. "He said he would be off of the 'mic' for a few to handle his gunshot wounds. Until that point he was calm, cool and collected."

AWARDS PRESENTATION

Staff Sgt Robert Gutierrez Jr. was presented the Air Force Cross and Tech. Sgt Ismael Villegas was presented the Silver Star by Gen. Norton Schwartz in a joint ceremony.

The Air Force Cross is the service's highest award and is second only to the Medal of Honor. The Silver Star is awarded for valor, to include risk of life during engagement with the enemy.

Both Airmen received their awards for gallant actions during combat operations in 2009 that directly contributed to saving the lives of their teammates and decimating enemy forces. Gutierrez and Villegas were both assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, N.C., when they deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009, although the two medals are not related to the same operation.

Hurlburt’s Freedom Hangar was Staff Sgt Robert Gutierrez Jr. was presented the Air Force Cross by Gen. Norton Schwartz filled by a sea of red berets as (Air Force Photograph) more than 1,000 gathered to watch Schwartz present the Airmen their awards. The general credited the two combat controllers for not only being courageous, but for also being humble in recognition.

"With the modesty that is characteristic of the quiet professional, these two Joint Terminal Attack Controllers would hardly hesitate to claim that, during the incidents for which they are being decorated today, they were merely performing as they were trained," Schwartz said. "And they are accepting the honors on behalf of the entire team that worked with them."

Gutierrez and Villegas attribute their exceptional performance on the battlefield to the in-depth training they received in AFSOC’s two-year combat control training pipeline.

"You don't have a lot of time to think about yourself," Villegas said. "Your training allows you to do your job so you can overcome any obstacle and ultimately bring brothers on the battlefield home safely."

Gutierrez, now an instructor at the Special Tactics Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida is the second living recipient of the Air Force Cross since September 11. Like Gutierrez, the last five recipients of the medal have all been AFSOC Airmen. Gutierrez accepted the Air Force Cross on behalf of his fellow Airmen in combat. "It is for every Airman who is fighting," he said. "This is a representation of them and their sacrifice. I just get the honor of wearing (the medal) for them."

“I may have received this, but this isn’t for me.” Gutierrez told reporters. “It’s for every airman fighting this war, every sacrifice we’ve given, every one of my fallen teammates – this is for them, this is the representation of them. I just get to wear it for them.”

SPECIAL FORCES MEDIC SAVED MY LIFE, TWICE!

Gutierrez received the Air Force Cross for actions during a four-hour battle in Herat Province, Afghanistan, in October 2009. During the firefight, he was shot in the chest and suffered a collapsed lung. Still, he continued to return fire while calling in precision strafing runs from an A-10 Thunderbolt II nearby. Though bleeding out and struggling to inhale enough oxygen to breathe, let alone speak into his radio, death was not on his mind, he said.

"Your time is in front of you. You're not thinking of that," he said. "I was thinking, 'I am going to do everything I can to get the mission done before I bleed out.'”

Following the first strafing run, the Special Forces Gutierrez suffered a bullet wound; two collapsed lungs, and a busted ear drum, but still managed (SF) team medic, Mike to successfully call in multiple "danger close" air strikes against a determined insurgent force. Jones, re-inflated Here, Gutierrez (left) poses with Army Sgt 1st Class Mike Jones, the 7th SFG medic, who saved Gutierrez's lung with a Gutierrez’s life twice during that 2009 mission. (Courtesy Photo) needle decompression, which allowed him to direct two more strafing runs within 30 feet of enemy forces, decimating the enemy and allowing the team to escape.

While there were many heroes in the crowd wearing the Air Force uniform, Schwartz also pointed out the unsung family members who sacrifice for their Airman so they may serve their country.

"Your quiet, understated sacrifice gives deep personal meaning to your loved ones' service," Schwartz said to the families of Gutierrez and Villegas. "You have my personal thanks and the appreciation of a grateful nation, and certainly the appreciation of the U.S. Air Force."

GUTIERREZ MILITARY SUMMARY

Robert Gutierrez was born in San Diego, California, and grew up in Chula Vista, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on August 13, 2002, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in September 2002. A1C Gutierrez next attended Combat Control Team training at Lackland AFB (Combat Control Orientation Course); Keesler AFB, Mississippi (Combat Control Operator Course); Fort Benning, Georgia (U.S. Army Airborne School); Fairchild AFB, Washington (U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School); Pope AFB, North Carolina (Combat Control School); Hurlburt Field, Florida (Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training); Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona (U.S. Army Military Free-fall Parachutist School); and Panama City, Florida (U.S. Air Force Combat Divers School) between September 2002 and July 2005. His first assignment was as a Combat Control Team member with the 321st Special Tactics Squadron of the 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, England, from July 2005 until he was badly wounded during combat operations in Afghanistan in October 2009. After recovering from his injuries, SSgt Gutierrez became an instructor at the Air Force Special Operations Training Center at Hurlburt Field in March 2011.

The President of the United States Takes Pride in Presenting The Air Force Cross To Robert Gutierrez, Jr. Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, U.S.C. awards the Air Force Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Herat Province, Afghanistan, on 5 October 2009. On that date, while assigned as a combat controller to an Army Special Forces detachment, Sergeant Gutierrez and his team conducted a high-risk nighttime raid to capture the number two Taliban leaders in the region. During the initial assault, the team was attacked with a barrage of rifle and heavy machine-gun fire from a numerically superior and determined enemy force. Sergeant Gutierrez was shot in the chest, his team leader was shot in the leg, and the ten- man element was pinned down in a building with no escape route. In great pain and confronting the very real possibility that he would die, Sergeant Gutierrez seized the initiative and refused to relinquish his duties as joint terminal attack controller. Under intense fire, he engaged Taliban fighters with his M-4 rifle and brought airpower to bear, controlling three "danger close" A-10 strafing runs with exceptional precision against enemy forces just 30 feet away. After the first A- 10 attack, the team medic performed a needle decompression to re-inflate Sergeant Gutierrez's collapsed lung, allowing him to direct the next two strafe runs which decimated the enemy force and allowed the team to escape the kill zone without additional casualties. Throughout the four- hour battle, Sergeant Gutierrez's valorous actions, at great risk to his own life, helped save the lives of his teammates and dealt a crushing blow to the regional Taliban network. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant Gutierrez reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

THE BATTLE OF LAGHMAN PROVINCE

An Air Force Cross Story

Captain Barry F. Crawford Jr., was caught in the crossfire. He waved his arms toward the HH-60 Pave Hawk that hovered above as he ignored the bullets pelting the ground at his feet, kicking up dirt and rocks. His headset muted the sound as a round flew just past his ear, though he definitely felt the antenna of one of his radios slap the back of his neck hard after the bullet struck it. The STO thought he had been shot. He felt for blood, but there was none. He carried on.

The landing zone was hot and it was tiny. More than a hundred enemy fighters were hidden in the jagged mountainside surrounding the remote Afghan village in Laghman Province, in eastern Afghanistan. The insurgents had been accurately firing machine guns and sniper rifles down at the US and Afghan commandos for hours. Two Afghan soldiers were dead and three more were severely wounded. Crawford knew the casualties didn’t have long to live, but the wind and rain combined with the fortress-like terrain was making it difficult for the medical evacuation helicopter to land. Without regard for his own life, he remained exposed to heavy fire and guided the pilots onto the landing zone.

Multiple mission participants “painted a consistent and compelling picture of Captain Crawford’s technical expertise and exceptional courage under fire during the day-long battle with the enemy,” said Lt. Col. Parks Hughes, commander of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Crawford’s home unit at the time. “They credited his decisive actions with enabling the US ground force and their Afghan partners to survive and escape an extremely dire situation.”

AIR FORCE CROSS PRESENTATION

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz presented the award to Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. The Air Force Cross is the service's highest medal, and second only to the Medal of Honor.

Crawford received the award for heroic actions controlling the air space and calling in airstrikes during the battle, allowing his special operations team to get out of the kill zone and ultimately saving the lives of his American comrades.While assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, Crawford was the joint terminal attack controller for a U.S. Army Special Forces and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz pins the Air Force Cross on Capt. Barry Crawford Afghan commando team. Crawford called in multiple fixed- and during a ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes rotary-wing air assets, allowing for the safe return of all U.S. forces, in Washington, D.C., on April 12, 2012. the evacuation of two Afghan commandos killed in action, and the rescue of three other wounded Afghan commandos.

"Captain Crawford repeatedly and conspicuously disregarded his own safety to assist his United States and Afghan teammates," Schwartz said at today’s ceremony. "It is not hard to be utterly impressed by his bravery and inspired by his selflessness. Crawford braved effective enemy fire and consciously placed himself at grave risk on four occasions while controlling over 33 aircraft and more than 40 airstrikes on a well-trained and well-prepared enemy force,” his

award citation reads. “His selfless actions and expert airpower employment neutralized a numerically superior enemy force and enabled friendly elements to exfiltrate the area without massive casualties."The team of about 100 personnel flew into the steep mountains of Laghman province early May 4, 2010. As soon as they were on the ground, they heard enemy chatter on the radios. Within 30 minutes, they found a substantial weapons cache inside the village. The enemy force apparently was dug in to defensive positions, waiting for the sun to rise before beginning their assault on the coalition force."As soon as the sun came up, we started taking extremely heavy enemy fire," Crawford said in an interview. "Our placement in the middle of the village, and the enemy's superior fighting positions, required us to 'run the gauntlet' of enemy fire no matter where we were in the valley."Enemy fighters were expertly using sniper and medium machine-gun fire to target the force as insurgents were closing in on their location from all sides. Five commandos were wounded in the assault.

"Recognizing that the wounded Afghan soldiers would die without evacuation to definitive care, Captain Crawford took decisive action and ran out into the open in an effort to guide the [medical evacuation] helicopter to the landing zone," according to the citation. "Once the pilot had eyes on his position, Crawford remained exposed, despite having one of his radio antennas shot off mere inches from his face."Acting without hesitation,” the citation continues, “Crawford then bounded across open terrain, engaging enemy positions with his assault rifle and called in AH-64 strafe attacks to defeat the ambush."When the weather cleared, the team moved along the steep terrain. To allow his team to freely move in the open and prevent further casualties, Crawford coordinated the delivery of danger-close AH-64 Apache Hellfire missiles, and 500- and 2,000-pound joint direct attack munitions from F-15E Strike Eagles. "Everyone there was on task and wanted to crush the enemy," Crawford said. "My teammates went above and beyond, and everyone's efforts really re-energized the entire assault force's morale." As the U.S. and Afghan commandos left the burned-out village, Crawford's team once again came under attack. Stuck in an open, narrow valley with 300- to 500-foot sheer mountain cliffs around them, the team was forced to hold their position in poor weather conditions. With the enemy merely 150 meters away, Crawford repeatedly called for danger-close 30 mm strafing and rocket attacks from AH-64 Apaches overhead. To mark the enemy locations, Crawford ran into the open to engage the enemy while continuing to direct Apache airstrikes."The Apaches were our lifeline," Crawford said. "They were consistently engaging. It was a battle of survival for us, and they unleashed hell on the enemy."The original mission was to collect intelligence from a remote village sympathetic to the Taliban. However, the village had been burned prior to their arrival. Their mission quickly turned into a battle for survival, which was remarkably successful. The special operations team suffered two Afghan commando casualties, but more than 80 insurgents were killed during the engagement, including three high-ranking enemy commanders.

PILOTING A DREAM

According to the citation accompanying the Air Force Cross, Crawford earned this honor for “extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States,” where he was serving as an active duty Air Force special tactics officer near Laghman Province, Afghanistan on May 4, 2010.

“Everyone that day performed heroically, it was the most dismal of situations when the enemy fire started, it didn’t stop for 14 hours and we were surrounded by a numerically superior force, Crawford said. “It was a kill-or-be-killed scenario and if everyone hadn’t performed the way they did – exhibiting a complete team effort - I wouldn’t here today.” But, the scenario probably would have played out to a much different conclusion had it not been for superior air power.

After returning home Crawford wanted to continue to serve but also live out another dream of his – to become a pilot. He found this opportunity with the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing. “I love serving my country, I don’t think there’s anything more honorable than that,” he said. “I was offered the opportunity to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training and become a member of the 104th Fighter Squadron flying A- 10s.”

He said this is a move that is personal to him since he spent so much time coordinating A-10 close air support. “I love close air support and with my ground combat experience, I feel that once I learn to fly and become an A-10 pilot, I can bring some unique skills to the unit and to the Maryland Air National Guard. I have my never quit attitude,” Crawford said. “I hope to bring those attributes and contribute to the tradition of the Air National Guard.”

“PILOTING A DREAM”, THEN WHY CCT?

“I was interested in attending the USAF Academy to become a fighter pilot. The only person in my family with military experience was my paternal grandfather, a tail gunner in B-17s during WWII. He passed away before I was in high school and never got to talk to him about his experiences. I always enjoyed playing outside as a youngster and many times found myself wanting to play special-forces or top gun fighter pilot. I figured going to USAFA was best way to achieve my goal; it offered top notch education, at the right price. When at USAFA, I was exposed to so much more about what military was and more specifically everything Air Force offered. I gravitated to a group of friends who were interested in trying to go special operations after graduation, be it Air Force Special Tactics, Navy SEALs or Special Forces. While at the academy, I attended US Navy Mini-Underwater Demolition/SEAL (Mini- BUD/S) training and was very far into the cross-commissioning process for going Navy and to BUD/S. I met with Navy personnel and SEALs and had their recommendations but was talked out of it from some of my classmates. During my time at USAFA, I didn't have much exposure to the fighter-pilot side of things that I originally attended and hoped for, rather than the special operations side. This led me to focus all of my free time (the little time I had when not studying) for a goal of trying to attend Phase II Special Tactics Officer Selections. During this time, I injured my shoulder and it required surgery to fix, so I was unable to apply until after graduation. A friend of mine who graduated a year ahead of me lived out similar scenario so I followed his lead. Ultimately, I chose pilot as my career- goal upon graduation, with Hurlburt Field as my first duty assignment awaiting pilot training in the casual lieutenant program. While waiting for a pilot assignment, I attended Special Tactics Officer (STO) Selection at Hurlburt Field in fall of 2003; I was selected. I resigned my pilot training billet and shortly after entered the CCT pipeline.”

“I joined ST to be a hands-on, combat officer. I was extremely fortunate to have been ‘at the right place at the right time’ multiple times and assignments. I am proud of having been able to ‘job-it’ in multiple AOs, but knew it wasn't really my job. My job was to ‘train, lead, and equip Special Tactics (ST) airmen.’ I enjoyed my job, more importantly the warriors I got to work with, alongside and befriend. What ruined me was that first taste of combat. I enjoyed it greatly and it reinvigorated the fire in me of being a combat leader. Unfortunately, the role of ST at the time was proportioned that the CCT officer wasn't leading from the front into combat. More in the role of the survey team OIC, but they were not going to be offensive combat operations, but only a support role. I was approached about going to an ANG Fighter Squadron to fly A-10s. I didn't know my chances since I would be older than what they wanted and was already a mid-level captain. I was offered and accepted a slot to fly A-10s for the 104th FS, MD ANG, Martin State Airport, Baltimore, Maryland. I spend the next 8 months awaiting two exceptions to policy (ETP) as they were routed through both ANG Bureau and then the Pentagon for both my age and total commission time. I was a part time guardsman and also worked for L-3 Communications as a sensor operator down range.”

AIR FORCE MOURNS LIKELY PASSING OF A-10 WARTHOG

At the annual Air Force Association meeting in September 2013, an old Warthog pilot, Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III spoke in near mournful tones of the likely mothballing of the venerable A-10 close air support aircraft and tank killer. Clarke, director of the Air National Guard, addressed an audience question of saving the A-10 this way. He said he loved flying the A-10 Thunderbolt, better known as the “Warthog.” He also noted that the plane is “near and dear to land warriors” for its GAU-8 Avenger, a 30mm rotary cannon that is the heaviest such weapon mounted on an aircraft. But the Air Force was “looking at reducing single mission aircraft,” Clarke said, and under the sequestration process “we’re not getting any more money, so that option is out. The Air Force has to have a fifth generation force out there of stealthy, fast and maneuverable aircraft and the low and slow A-10 just didn’t fit in,” Clarke said.

“Upon receiving ETPs approval, I PCS'ed to Columbus AFB, MS where I was the Senior Ranking Officer (SRO) for UPT Class 13-12. It was a 13 month program where I first flew the T-6 Texan II and then the T-38C Talon; I graduated on August 13. I then flew the T-38C in the Break in Training (BIT) program to keep up my currencies awaiting the start of Introductory to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF).”

“During this period, the details of the 2015 AF budget started hitting the news. What grabbed my attention was the possible mothballing the A-10 fleet. I started calling my guard unit and talk to both leadership and friends that were line pilots. What I gathered was that the A-10 program would survive for a few years, but they were looking at possibly converting to slick C-130s or losing their airplanes all-together. The 104th FS SQ/CC gave me approval to open lines of communication with other Guard fighter units. I talked and visited a few and was offered opportunities elsewhere. My family and I felt most at home with the 134th FS (F-16), Vermont ANG (VTANG), Burlington, Vermont. The 104 SQ/CC supported me switching units. After approval from the ANG Bureau I would swear into the VTANG upon completion of IFF. I began IFF mid-November 2013 in the F-16 track and graduated mid-February 2014. From there I had to again attend Brooks City Base, TX to complete the F-16 Centrifuge 9G profiles. Shortly thereafter, I PCS'ed to Luke AFB, AZ where I began the F-16 B-Course in mid-March 2014.”

In closing, Crawford said, “I am currently finishing the air-to-air phase and have passed all my check rides making me a legal (Form-8 holding) F-16 Viper Pilot. I will begin the final training block, the air-to-ground phase, in two weeks. I am assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron "Tophats!"-- Who are always dressed to kill!" The 310th FS is the only FAC (A) F-16 training school in the CAF so I have been talking and briefing with the instructors. My B- Course graduation is set for 7 November 2014 when my family and I will PCS to Burlington where I will begin Mission Qualification Training.” “ Finally” he said, ‘I pinned on Major on 28 May 2014

The President of the United States Takes Pride in Presenting The Air Force Cross To BARRY F. CRAWFORD, JR.

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, U.S.C., awarded the Air Force Cross to Captain Barry F. Crawford, Jr., for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Special Tactics Officer near Laghman Province, Afghanistan, on 4 May 2010. On that date, while attached to Army Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha and their Afghan partner force, Captain Crawford conducted a helicopter assault into Hendor Village. Upon landing, Captain Crawford received reports that multiple groups of armed enemy were maneuvering into prepared fighting positions in the high ground around the village. As the assault force initiated clearance operations, they began to receive a high volume of accurate machine gun and sniper fire from an enemy force well over 100 fighters. As the assault force was attacked, Captain Crawford took decisive action to save the lives of three wounded Afghan soldiers and evacuate two Afghan soldiers killed in action. Recognizing that the wounded Afghan soldiers would die without evacuation to definitive care, Captain Crawford took decisive action and ran out into the open in an effort to guide the helicopter to the landing zone. Once the pilot had eyes on his position, Captain Crawford remained exposed, despite having one of his radio antennas shot off mere inches form his face, while he vectored in the aircraft. Acting without hesitation, Captain Crawford then bounded across open terrain, engaged enemy positions with his assault rifle and called in AH-64 strafe attacks to defeat the ambush allowing the aid-and-litter teams to move toward the casualties. While the casualties were being moved the team's exposed position once again came under attack from two enemy trucks that had moved into the area and were threatening the medical evacuation landing zone. As one of the aid-and-litter teams was pinned down by enemy fire, and the medical evacuation helicopter took direct hits from small arms fire, it departed with only four casualties leaving one wounded Afghan soldier on the ground. Captain Crawford developed, coordinated, and executed a plan to suppress the enemy, enabling the helicopter to return to the hot landing zone to retrieve the last casualty. While Captain Crawford's element exfiltrated the village, the assault force conducted a two kilometer movement over steep terrain with little to no cover. During this movement the ground force commander and Captain Crawford's element were ambushed and pinned down in the open from multiple enemy fighting positions, some as close as 150 meters away. Without regard for his own life, Captain Crawford moved alone across open terrain in the kill zone to locate and engage enemy positions with his assault rifle while directing AH-64 30-mm. strafe attacks. Continuing to move the team further over 1.5 kilometers of steep terrain with minimal cover, Captain Crawford again engaged the enemy with his assault rifle while integrating AH-64s and F-15E's in a coordinated air-to-ground attack plan that included strafing runs along with 500 and 2,0000-pound bomb and Hellfire missile strikes. Throughout the course of the ten hour firefight, Captain Crawford braved effective enemy fire and consciously placed himself at grave risk on four occasions while controlling over 33 aircraft and more than 40 airstrikes on a well-trained and well-prepared enemy force. His selfless actions and expert airpower employment neutralized a numerically superior enemy force and enabled friendly elements to exfiltrate the area without massive casualties. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Crawford has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

“TAKE THE AMERICANS ALIVE!”

An Air Force Cross Story

Surrounded in a fierce 48-hour battle, these Americans refused to be taken hostage.

“The insurgents, numbering close to 100, sprung a fierce attack in which they not only launched a barrage of fire on the Americans, but made plans on the radio to overrun their position and take them hostage..…”

THE DROP

On September 27, 2014, a team of U.S. Special Operations troops were dropped into a volatile village in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The U.S. military had withdrawn thousands of troops from the country in the previous year, and the mission called for 21 Americans and about 60 Afghan commando counterparts to clear a bazaar of weapons and insurgents, and then get out. It turned into a fight for their lives, three U.S. Special Operations airmen involved in the battle recalled. The insurgents, numbering about to 100, sprung a fierce attack in which they not only launched a barrage of fire on the Americans, but made plans on the radio to overrun their position and take them hostage, the airmen said.

“They were bolder than any insurgents I have ever seen throughout my deployments there,” Senior Airman Goodie J. Goodman said. “They didn’t seem like they were willing to quit until the last soul.”

Senior Airman Goodie J. Goodman is shown here in Afghanistan in this undated photo released by the U.S. Air Force. He received the Silver Star, third only to the Medal of Honor in recognizing valor in combat, in the in September 2014 battle. (Photo released by the Air Force)

THE TEAMS

The first team included Temple, Weathers, seven other U.S. Special Operations troops and five Afghan commandos. It received 80 percent of the fire during the first part of the battle. The second team included Greiner, Goodman and 11 other Special Operations troops, along with 50 Afghan commandos. The third team had four U.S. troops and five Afghan commandos.

Senior Airman Dustin H. Temple is shown here in Afghanistan in this undated photo released by the U.S. Air Force. He received the Air Force Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor in recognizing valor in combat, in the in September 2014 battle. (Photo released by the Air Force)

Temple is credited with putting himself into the line of fire of enemy snipers after teammate Weathers had been shot; dragging him from a rooftop and then carrying him to a helicopter that had arrived to evacuate him.

Sgt. 1st Class Andrew T. Weathers, 30, suffered a gunshot to the head during the battle, and died September 30 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany after being evacuated from the battlefield, Temple said. But remarkably, no other American or Afghan commando sustained any serious injuries.

“Despite overwhelming and accurate enemy machine gun fire, Temple remained in the open landing zone, providing covering fire while his teammates pulled back,” his Air Force Cross citations states. “After he returned to the compound, enemy fighters surged within 40 meters after intercepted communications stated ‘Take the Americans alive.'”

Temple responded by directing F-16 fighter jets to launch strafing gun runs, his citations adds. They were “danger close,” meaning he and other coalition troops were in close proximity to the targets.

Temple also is credited with again braving enemy fire to retrieve ammunition and other supplies from a helicopter that landed around under fire to help them. It took longer than expected due to a miscommunication about how the ammunition was packaged, he said, but they eventually got what they needed.

“I didn’t notice how close it was until one of our friendlies said, “Hey, are you OK? You’re taking fire all around,” Temple said.

The coalition launched 80 airstrikes during the mission, killing a confirmed 38 insurgents and destroying 28 vehicles, 17 buildings and 32 enemy fighting positions, Air Force officials said.

The operation was launched in the Kajaki district of northern Helmand province. It came at a time when the Taliban had mounted a broad assault to take back key areas in the northern region of the province, including Sangin, just south of Kajaki. Greiner said the “white space had sort of collapsed” where the battle occurred. “I think it was more volatile,” he said.

This map illustrates the location of U.S., Afghan troops and insurgents during a September 2014 battle in Helmand province, Afghanistan. (Image released by the Air Force)

Greiner and Goodman were together in another compound farther to the west for much of the battle, the airmen said. Greiner is credited with guiding numerous airstrikes in defense of the coalition troops on the ground while facing enemy in 20 separate positions, according to his citation.

“With two observation posts in danger of being overrun by insurgents within 40 meters of their position, Sergeant Greiner focused all efforts on halting the enemy advance,” his citation states. “He immediately destroyed two compounds housing an insurgent machine gun position and enemy strongpoints, one danger close to friendly positions, with four 500-pound bombs from a pair of F-16s.”

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew J. Greiner is shown here in this undated image in Afghanistan. (Photo released by the U.S. Air Force)

The insurgents pinned down American and Afghan troops with machine-gun fire after sneaking through nearby corn fields, but Greiner called for Hellfire missile strikes and gun runs by AH-64 Apache helicopters. At one point, six armed insurgents approached coalition troops, and Greiner had them taken out by an AC-130 gunship overhead because he feared they’d launch a suicide attack.

Goodman is credited with holding a rooftop position while in the same compound as Greiner while machine- gun fire impacted six inches over his head, and then coordinating fires that held insurgents off for hours.

At one point, Goodman drew the enemy out by instructing the loud, low-flying AC-130 to remain outside of audible range,” his citation states. “When the enemy initiated a massive attack, Goodman controlled both aerial fires from the AC-130 and mortar fires from friendly ground forces until they retreated.”

In addition to the F-16s, Apaches and AC-130, the Americans had support from unmanned MQ-1 Predator aircraft. During the 48-hour fight, 28 combat helicopters and 20 coalition planes were involved.

THE AWARDS

Three special tactics combat controllers were awarded the Air Force Cross and two Silver Star medals at Pope Field, NC on May 6, 2015, for extraordinary heroism and gallantry in the face of danger while on a deployment to Afghanistan in September 2014.

Senior Airman Goodie J. Goodman, left, Tech. Sgt. Matthew J. Greiner and Senior Airman Dustin Temple are seen after the awards ceremony. Temple received the rare Air Force Cross, while Greiner and Goodman received Silver Stars for their roles in fighting off a brutal ambush in Afghanistan in September 2014. (Photo released by the U.S. Air Force)

The Airmen, all from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, were recognized for their superior integration of air and ground power against armed enemies of the U.S.

Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold, the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presented Senior Airman Dustin T. Temple the seventh Air Force Cross since 9/11.

He also presented Tech. Sgt. Matthew J. Greiner and Senior Airman Goodie J. Goodman the Silver Star medal -- the 31st and 32nd Silver Star medals for the special tactics community since 9/11.

"You are the guardians who run toward the sound of the guns and not away from them," Heithold said. "Your bravery, your intensity and your pure guts ... you epitomize what being an air commando is all about. "Not everyone deserves to be called a hero … you do," Heithold said.

This is only the second battle, which the Air Force has been involved in, within the last 15 years that resulted in an Air Force Cross and multiple Silver Star medals.

The three combat controllers were embedded with a U.S. Special Forces team in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when their team infiltrated a well-known enemy staging point by helicopter on Sept. 27, 2014. Their mission was to disrupt insurgent operations, including drug and weapons cache, and enemy command and control. Their unit came under heavy machine gun, rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from approximately 100 insurgents who would not back down.

The combat controllers acted on instinct and training and immediately assessed the situation before jumping to action.

“It was unlike anything I could have ever imagined … unlike anything you can prepare yourself for,” Temple said. “It all came back to training for me at that point. I remember thinking back to those days in training that were really tough, and now I realize they were preparing me for something like this.”

A teammate, Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Weathers, was gravely wounded by a sniper, and Temple put himself in the direct line of fire to drag his wounded teammate from a rooftop. At this same time, Goodman was under a barrage of machine gun fire, with bullets missing his head by inches, according to the award citation. Still, Goodman secured his rooftop position in order to repel the insurgent force with close air support and his personal weapon.

With friendly forces taking fire from within 200 meters, Greiner and Goodman began coordinating multiple close air support strikes from AH-64 Apache on the closest threats, while simultaneously coordinating mortar fire on enemy forces 300 meters away.

With a medical evacuation helicopter inbound, Temple once again risked his own life, carrying his wounded teammate across 100 meters of open terrain to a landing zone.

As overwhelming and accurate enemy machine gun fire suppressed Temple and his team, he remained on the open landing zone providing cover fire while his teammates pulled back.

After he returned to the compound, enemy fighters surged within 40 meters after intercepted communications stated, “Take the Americans alive.” Temple immediately directed F-16 Fighting Falcon strafing runs to repel the assault.

As the supplies dwindled during the 48-hour firefight, Temple braved open terrain several times to retrieve critical ammunition from a resupply helicopter. At the same time, Greiner coordinated precision airstrikes to cover Temple and the other Special Forces team members.

"These Airmen are much of the reason I am standing here today," said Army Capt. Evan Lacenski, the Special Forces team leader for the combat controllers while deployed. "They were faced with one of the most significant battles of Operation Enduring Freedom, in my opinion, and they acted professionally, valorously, flawlessly and executed the mission. I couldn't ask for a better group of Airmen."

The men are credited with saving the lives of 21 U.S. Special Operations Command forces and approximately 60 Afghanistan commandos.

"These special tactics Airmen turned the tide of the battle with heroism and extraordinary competence. I'm privileged to be on this stage with them this morning," said Navy Vice Adm. Sean A. Pybus, the deputy commander of SOCOM. "These are the best of us."

U.S. Air Force Lt Gen Bradley A. Heithold, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Sean A. Pybus, deputy commander of Special Operations Command, applaud three U.S. Air Force Special Tactics combat controllers, who received an Air Force Cross and two Silver Stars. They are credited with saving the lives of more than 80 U.S. Army Special Forces and Afghan Commando teammates by providing flawless air-to-ground integration in the special operations battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Ryan Conroy/Released)

The event drew more than 450 attendees, including the Airmen's families, friends and colleagues. Pybus and Heithold both took time to thank the families for their support.

"I want to thank their families for allowing them to serve at AFSOC, and supporting their service. You have our gratitude and our enduring thanks," Pybus said.

“Every combat controller I know has the ability and training to do what it takes, I know that any of those guys would have my back in a situation like this. That’s just the level of expertise and competence in our community.”

Senior Airman Dustin Temple

The President of the United States Takes Pride in Presenting

The Air Force Cross To Dustin H. Temple

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, U.S.C, awards the Air Force Cross to Senior Airman Dustin H. Temple for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with the 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 27 to 29 September 2014. On these days, while attached to a United States Special Forces team, Airman Temple displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own life as he and his teammates assaulted an insurgent safe haven. As overwhelming hostile fire continually suppressed his team, Airman Temple broke the assault on many occasions with danger close air support from F-16s, AH-1s, AC-130s and an MQ-1. Following a teammate being gravely wounded by a sniper, he put himself directly in the line of fire, and dragged his wounded teammate from the rooftop. With the evacuation helicopter inbound, Airman Temple again risked his own life to save his teammate, by carrying him across one hundred meters of open terrain. Despite overwhelming and accurate enemy machine gun fire, he remained on the open landing zone, providing covering fire while his teammates pulled back. After he returned to the compound, enemy fighters surged within 40 meters after intercepted communications stated, "Take the Americans alive." Airman Temple immediately directed F-16s in danger close strafing runs, killing one insurgent and repelling the assault. As supplies dwindled, he braved open terrain again to retrieve critical ammunition from a re-supply helicopter. With continuous machine gun fire, he and a teammate sprinted into the open and dragged the supplies off the aircraft; however, unable to carry the entire load, they withdrew back to cover. Airman Temple called in danger close fires from F-16s to cover his team as they went out to retrieve the remaining ammunition. Despite the continuous machine gun fire, Airman Temple and two teammates again ran into open terrain to retrieve the remainder of the supplies for a second time. At the end of the 48-hour engagement, he controlled 28 attack helicopters and 20 fixed wing assets for a total of 26 engagements while safely employing munitions at danger close range 75 times. Airman Temple's heroic and selfless actions directly resulted in confirmed 10 enemy fighters killed, and another eight estimated killed, while saving the lives of 38 friendly forces. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb Airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Airman Temple has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

THE END NOTE

LEGENDARY ACTION tells the tales of the combat controllers who served their country brilliantly over more than a half-century. The air commandos chronicled in this publication have gone above and beyond the call of duty and have done so with few expectations beyond faithfully serving their country and protecting their brothers-in-arms.

For six-decades we, as an organization failed in our efforts to effectively document the actions and deeds of our combat control brethren. They are a very-small band of silent warriors who have answered our Nation’s call and served the United States Air Force with distinction. However, as leaders we have failed to collect, preserve and broadcast the message of their legendary actions. Thus, much of our history is lost and gone forever. This book is an attempt to erase some of the errors of our past and record what we know as fact. But more importantly, to offer it as a vehicle to spread the word about a national treasure.

In short, the real purpose of this book is to record history as it unfolded on the battlefields around this duplicitous world. Now it is up to you to pass the word.

The Combat Control School Heritage Foundation Staff

“Dedicated to the preservation of our warrior heritage.”