Combat controller earns Pitsenbarger award

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  A combat controller from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., has been named the 2003 Pitsenbarger award winner.

Staff Sgt. Gabriel Brown was selected for his heroism while supporting Operation Anaconda during Operation Enduring Freedom.

While attached to the 75th Ranger Regiment, his quick-reaction force was called to extract a team of five U.S. Navy SEALs and one combat control team member. Brown controlled the close-air support assets for more than 15 hours during the battle at Takur Ghar, Afghanistan.

As other members of the reaction force cleared enemy positions, Brown moved to higher ground and repelled several enemy counterattacks with close-air support. He did this while under constant enemy machine gun, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire. His actions directly contributed to saving the lives of 26 quick-reaction force members.

Brown was named recipient of the 2003 Vanguard Award in May for his actions during this battle as well.

"I would like to recognize the league of men (former Pitsenbarger award recipients) with whom I have the prestigious honor of joining," said Brown, "and I dedicate this award to the seven great men who paid the ultimate price that fateful day to keep America free."

The Air Force Sergeant's Association gives the Pitsenbarger Award annually to an Air Force enlisted member for heroic acts, on or off duty, that save a life or prevent serious injury. (Courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center News Service)