News>Combat controller receives two Bronze Stars with valor
Story at a Glance
• During one engagement, his unit was attacked from two different directions; they won the firefight without any loss of American lives • During a subsequent 11-hour battle, his unit neutralized a significant number of enemy troops
Photos
Master Sgt. Kenneth Huhman deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. Sergeant Huhman, a combat controller assigned to 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, recieved two Bronze Stars with valor during a ceremony held recently at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo)
by Capt. Amy Cooper
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
5/19/2009 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- A combat controller, who is now charged with helping fill the special tactics ranks, was presented with two Bronze Stars with valor during a ceremony held recently at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Master Sgt. Ken Huhman, a special tactics recruiter in San Antonio, received the medals for his actions during a 2007 deployment to Afghanistan while assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
"His contribution to the special tactics teams, and all our combat controllers who are embedded, is just immeasurable," said Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, after he presented the medals to Sergeant Huhman. "What they are able to do, and do it under fire in the mountains of Afghanistan, is amazing."
During his deployment, Sergeant Huhman was attached to an Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, or ODA. The special operations team conducted multiple combat reconnaissance patrols throughout Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province.
This was Sergeant Huhman's second deployment to the country. The combat controller, who was a force reconnaissance Marine before joining the Air Force in 1996, also has a tour in Iraq to his credit.
"The main reason I became a combat controller was for the mission opportunities," Sergeant Huhman said.
Two such "mission opportunities" during this deployment landed Sergeant Huhman the medals.
One took place Sept. 5 and 6, 2007, while his team was patrolling a Taliban-controlled area of the province searching for stolen Afghan National Police vehicles.
When the team reached the target, they "disturbed a hornet's nest," Sergeant Huhman said.
They were attacked by small-arms and machine gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades from two directions. The team split up to maneuver around the enemy threat, with Sergeant Huhman's team taking cover behind a mud wall.
Using his joint terminal attack control skills, the combat controller directed a flight of F-15E Strike Eagles to drop two 500-pound bombs 50 meters from his position. The "danger close" drops successfully eliminating enemy fighters embedded on a hilltop.
Sergeant Huhman, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, continued to call in close-air support for the team and coordinated a route allowing them to escape from the valley. In total, he directed the release of more than 8,000 pounds of ordnance and controlled six different attack and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft during the 26-hour ordeal.
Despite the barrage of gunfire and length of the battle, the combat veteran maintained his composure and killed 41 enemy fighters, all without losing a single American life.
"With combat control and all the responsibilities you have, all you have time to do is think about what happens next," Sergeant Huhman said. "You're just worried about making sure your team is safe and thinking about what you do next to keep them safe."
This approach enabled Sergeant Huhman to successfully employ close-air support even after his GPS broke in the middle of the battle, forcing him to revert to other, less technological techniques.
About two months later, Sergeant Huhman earned another Bronze Star with valor for a second firefight with Taliban militants.
In November 2007, the special operations team was conducting reconnaissance on a known enemy strongpoint. Using ISR assets, Sergeant Huhman was able to identify seven Taliban fighters setting up a mortar position. He called for air support and took out the enemy before they could attack coalition forces.
A while later, the convoy again found itself in a heated firefight as they moved through the terrain. Sergeant Huhman was temporarily blinded when a round impacted near his position.
However, he wasn't concerned about his own life.
"At the time I was just worried about the team," Sergeant Huhman said. "Once I couldn't see, I used the aircraft as my eyes to make sure they could see the convoy. I let them know I didn't have visual and that I had to rely on them."
The combat controller regained his site just in time to see a Taliban fighter aiming his RPG launcher at the convoy.
"He popped out of a doorway and dialed in on the vehicle," Sergeant Huhman said.
Sergeant Huhman fired off one 84mm rifle shot at the building before reengaging with his M-4 rifle.
He directed gun runs from support aircraft as the team pushed through the barrage of enemy fire toward their objective. Once there, Sergeant Huhman continued to identify and destroy enemy fighting positions throughout the village. In total, he spent 11 hours directing close-air support, completely emptying the ammunition on two F/A-18 Hornets and one AC-130 gunship.
Later that night, the team used intelligence assets to identify a meeting of high-level Taliban leaders in a nearby cave. Sergeant Huhman called in yet another precision airstrike that launched two 500-pound bombs and one Hellfire missile, eliminating the enemy.
"After we took out those guys, nothing happened in that area for six months," Sergeant Huhman said.
"They're life savers," General Stewart said of combat controllers such as Sergeant Huhman. "Had it not been for the air support he was able to call in, then perhaps things (would have turned) out differently in those situations."
But the quiet professional is not quick to tout his success on the battlefield.
"I was just one of the many guys doing his job," he said. "I was in the right place at the right time. Any controller in that position would have done the same things."
However, Sergeant Huhman says he is willing to tell potential combat control recruits his story. He is one of 12 special tactics Airmen from the Air Force Special Operations Training Center embedded with recruiting units throughout the country.
According to one of Sergeant Huhman's former teammates, those young men should listen up.
"He's definitely walked the walk," said Capt. Steve Cooper, who was Sergeant Huhman's team leader at the 23rd STS. "Recruits are going to listen to what he has to say."
Comments
6/4/2009 12:19:46 AM ET I wanted Kenneth to know how proud i am of him. I hope he get's this and knows that everyone back home is so proud of him too..
Lacy Holder, Longview TX
5/28/2009 5:49:27 PM ET Thank you all for you supportive comments. The team I was with did initially put me in for a Silver Star for my actions in November but it was downgraded. The real honor comes from the team guys that recognized me on the battlefield and all of your supportive comments. The medal is just a medal; it doesn't change what happened, not for me. But, there are a lot of men that are not recieving the honors they deserve. I again thank all of you for your support of not only me but all the Heroic men and women serving our country in these perilous times. You all are true patriots for your support. Thank you.
Kenneth Huhman, San Antonio TX
5/26/2009 8:41:41 PM ET Congratulations and thank you for your service MSgt Huhman. We could really benefit from ST members such as yourself briefing cadets at the Academy about the role Air Force Special Forces have in the Middle East. I believe it would help future officers understand the caliber of men that are serving on the ground.
Bryan, Colorado
5/26/2009 3:11:53 PM ET Congratulations to MSgt Kenneth Huhman for his heroic actions while serving in Afghanistan He is indeed well deserving of not only one but two Bronze Stars with valor I served with the 1st Special Operations Wing from 1973 to 1980 and am proud of the men and women at Hurlburt Field who continue the tradition of distinguished service to our country.
David Johnson, Roseville CA
5/24/2009 6:21:42 PM ET Way to go bro Your family is so proud of you
Sheila, Gilmer Texas
5/24/2009 12:49:33 PM ET MSgt Kenneth Huhman is my Grandson and I am so proud of him in everyway. All his life he has wanted to defend his country. He is so modest about his accomplishments. I know he did what he is trained to do but he has always wanted to go beyond and above what is required of him and I can only say how extremely proud I am of him. I want to stand and tell the world he is my Grandson. I thank God he helped save our boys lives and his for sure.
Betty Kingery, Longview Texas
5/21/2009 10:40:42 AM ET Only a Bronze Star Come on MSgt Huhman's actions warrent a greater recognition from his country.
JJ, MS
5/20/2009 11:17:42 PM ET Congratulations Ken We're so proud of you. Job well done
Michael and Dee Lang , Mountain Home AFB ID
5/20/2009 4:18:25 PM ET Too many times over the last several years have I read about the actions where an individual is awarded a Bronze Star. In quite a few of the actions I feel the actions rated at LEAST a Silver Star. For instance in MSgt Huhman's second action while temporarily blinded he continued the mission of killing bad guys. And he only got a Bronze Star
Mike Broeker, Texas
5/20/2009 11:05:44 AM ET Are these comments serious Maybe one should do some homework on Special Tactics Combat Controllers and Air Force Special Operations in general. These are some of the most highly decorated and courageous Airmen to wear our uniform. Many have lost their lives. Speculating about possible LOAC violations is doing this gentlemen and our Special Ops guys a great disservice. We should be discussing how to celebrate with this gentleman not debating how he may done something wrong. Unless one was there know the circumstances and understand why our Special Tactics guys do what they do then how can one say these things
Jason, Little Rock
5/20/2009 10:40:52 AM ET We are fighting a war against global terrorist not a war against another country. They have to blend in with the area not stand out like a tourist
Ken, Idaho
5/20/2009 10:00:41 AM ET Who cares? The Enemy are not wearing distinguishable emblems marking them as legal combatants. In fact they are trying to blend in with civilians that our Armed Forces are trying to help and protect.
Kevin, Boston MA
5/20/2009 9:43:50 AM ET Mr Heflin Point well taken why is this warrior wearing plain clothes with no military rank or emblems Maybe because he was searching for Afgan National Police Vehicles that were stolen and were going to be used against US forces or Afgan Forces Would the people driving those vehicles wear their proper emblems and uniforms... An irregular war calls for irregular tactics and this warrior needed to blend with his environment to get the mission accomplished. Two Bronze Stars with Valor seems to me like this is truly a poster moment for Mission Accomplished
Dave Smith, Offutt AFB NE
5/20/2009 8:58:08 AM ET I can't believe people are worried about one of our guys not wearing a uniform or having fixed emblems to designate him as a Combatant. We go out on a daily basis risking our lives fighting an enemy that doesn't wear distinctive emblems, doesn't wear uniforms or play by the rules. I mean get a grip. How many times have they deployed in combat. We are at war with an enemy that doesn't play by rules..get over it. Maybe next time they should have a picture of him in the mountains with his service dress on.
CST, The Mountains
5/20/2009 8:11:09 AM ET The comment about Laws of Armed Conflict came about when all combatants were identifiable. I have never seen a picture of an Taliban weaing fixed emblems. One would think common sense could play a part here.
Jerry Smailes, Eglin AFB Fl
5/19/2009 9:50:43 PM ET It's called relaxed standards and is authorized for the protection of ALL the combatants in that group including our allies. I doubt the opposing forces have given much thought to the laws of land warfare just as I am equally certain these guys would be treated no less harshly than combatants wearing conventionally marked uniforms. Chase down and read an indepth story of the death of one of MSgt Huhmans' compatriots who didn't come down off what is now referred to as Roberts' Ridge until he was carried out by six strong men on their final trips home. Those who killed SEAL Neil Roberts, Combat Controller John Chapman were themselves eventually killed and identified by the conventional American uniform items they were wearing that had been stripped from the American bodies. Relaxed standards is an important tactic that saves American lives and that is all that matters.
PJ, arizona
5/19/2009 6:19:51 PM ET Just for everyone's knowledge the picture was not taken during my current deployment in reference. I wore an identifiable uniform during my entire rotation. I am not a picture person so there was not a lot of pictures to pick from.Thank you all for your comments and concerns.
kenneth Huhman, San Antonio TX
5/19/2009 5:33:05 PM ET The fact that he's carrying a Nalgene water bottle identifies him as a U.S. Special Ops member. This is a great story about somebody who's exhibited the qualities we should all be striving for. Not too concerned about the picture or it's LOAC implications. I'm sure a JAG would have taken care of this if it was really an issue.
Phil Clemens, Rochester IL
5/19/2009 5:19:14 PM ET I believe the key difference between lawful and unlawful combatants is authorized by governmental authority. We do not know when or where this picture was taken and under what contextconditions. To imply that he may not be a lawful combatant because the picture doesn't have distinctive emblems recognizable at a distance is a bit imprudent.
Dan Phillips, Scott AFB IL
5/19/2009 4:45:09 PM ET Thank you MSgt Huhman Your courage and dedication to the mission are an example for all. The Bronze Stars seem a little light for what you did during these engagements. Congratulations job well done and welcome home
John Top Kammerer, Allen Texas
5/19/2009 4:42:18 PM ET I think the beard is awesome he looks like and based upon his actions and choices is a badass.
Reserve Dude, California
5/19/2009 3:26:08 PM ET I think the photo is awesome
Joe, CA
5/19/2009 2:08:54 PM ET I am sure he very much deserves these honors. I do have a problem with the Air Force showing the picture of him.The beard doesn't bother me but showing him not wearing a uniform designating him as a combatant I think would mean he is in violation of the Laws of Armed Conflict. In the picture shown I am not sure he is wearing fixed emblems that can be seen from a distance. CombatantsThe Geneva Conventions distinguish between lawful combatants noncombatants and unlawful combatants.Lawful Combatants. A lawful combatant is an individual authorized by governmental authority or the LOAC to engage in hostilities. A lawful combatant may be a member of a regular armed force or an irregular force. In either case the lawful combatant must be commanded by a person responsible for subordinates have fixed distinctive emblems recognizable at a distance such as uniforms carry arms openly and conduct his or her combat operations according to the LOAC.
