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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

July 7, 2023
Stories of Service: When raising your right hand makes a difference

Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Reedy and Maj. Kyle Konkolics received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their heroic role in a rescue mission of an American hostage in Africa in October 2020. This is their Story of Service.
Oct. 24, 2022
AMC leaders to present 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Bronze Star Medals, Gallant Unit Citation for Operation Allies Refuge

AMC announced commanders will present awards and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and Gallant Unit Citation to mobility Airmen who supported Operation Allies Refuge.
June 6, 2022
Land at your own risk: Air Guardsmen honored for valor during Operation Allies Refuge

The crew of seven Airmen from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York National Guard, earned the Meritorious Service Medal for a successful completion of their military transport airlift mission at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, when Taliban forces took over the capital city.
April 5, 2022
Total Force C-17 aircrew awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

Three Reserve Airmen assigned to the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis AFB, and an active-duty Airman assigned to the 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, were recognized for helping evacuate Americans and allies out of Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge in August 2021.
May 20, 2021
19th AW C-130J crew awarded for heroism on deployment

On May 10, a C-130J Super Hercules aircrew assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base’s 61st Airlift Squadron was awarded one Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for their decisive actions and outstanding airmanship displayed under hazardous conditions while deployed to Afghanistan Sept. 19,
Nov. 12, 2020
Michigan Air Guard pilot awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

The training flight narrowly avoided catastrophe on July 20, 2017, when DeVries successfully landed his A-10 Thunderbolt II with neither a canopy nor fully engaged landing gear.
Aug. 12, 2019
CSAF bestows Distinguished Flying Cross on Kentucky Air Guardsman

Hourigan distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while serving as commander of a C-130 Hercules aircraft on July 15, 2016, narrowly recovering the aircraft from a potentially fatal descent following a catastrophic mechanical failure.
Jan. 16, 2019
World War II fighter pilot, PTSD advocate laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery

Capt Jerry Yellin, World War II fighter pilot, who flew the last combat mission in August 1945, was laid to rest with full military honors Jan. 15, at Arlington Cemetery, Virginia.
June 21, 2018
Around the Air Force: June 20

On this look Around the Air Force two Airmen are awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Airmen train with the U.S. Army and other nations during exercises Rainer War and Swift Response.
June 14, 2018
Shaw AFB Airmen earn DFC for saving 88 lives

Col. Daniel Lasica, former 20th Fighter Wing commander, presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captains John Nygard and Salvador Cruz, both 79th Fighter Squadron instructor pilots, at Shaw Air Force Base, June 7, 2018.
May 30, 2018
74th FS pilots receive DFC

Two Airmen received the Distinguished Flying Cross May 23, 2018, in recognition of their actions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.Maj. Matthew “Chowder” Cichowski and Capt. William “Archer” Dana both, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots, risked life and limb while deployed to
May 15, 2018
24 Airmen awarded DFCs at Hurlburt Field

There were 808 lives that hung in the balance as terrorists launched coordinated attacks against friendly forces. Joint special operations teams were exposed and under duress as AC-130U Spooky Gunship crews circled above, pushing the limits of gun barrels to the melting point and providing precision
Oct. 18, 2017
SecAF awards Air Force Cross, 10 medals to Air Commandos

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson awarded ten valorous medals, including the Air Force Cross, to Air Force Special Operations Command air commandos in a ceremony, Oct. 17, 2017 held at Hurlburt Field.
July 5, 2017
Silver Star mission a lesson in teamwork

Retired Lt. Col. Gregory Thornton was presented the Silver Star Medal - the third highest medal for valor in the military - in a private ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force June 30, 2017.
Jan. 19, 2017
James awards medal upgrades to 8 Airmen

The secretary of defense directed a review of medals, including the Air Force Cross and the Silver Star recommendations from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to ensure service members are appropriately recognized for their actions. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James approved nine

U.S. Air Force News