Did you know the heroics behind this combat controller's Air Force Cross and Silver Stars?

2015-05-12T03:48:09-04:00

The team had been repeatedly warned: Fighters in Helmand Province were different than in other parts of Afghanistan. These Taliban fought until the death. They were better trained, and unafraid of aircraft.

The coalition group of Army —Special Forces, Afghan commandos and Air Force combat controllers reached Helmand in August, after months of fighting in Kandahar Province. In September, a battle to reclaim part of the Helmand River Valley turned into one that the team's leader calls "one of the most significant in Operation Enduring Freedom."

Hours into the fight the men found themselves surrounded and outgunned by dozens of insurgents closing in on their compound.

"Take the Americans alive," the insurgent leader said on an intercepted radio call.

Read the full story here: http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/05/11/the-heroics-behind-airmens-air-force-cross-silver-stars/26992617/

The heroics behind combat controller's Air Force Cross, Silver Stars

Three combat controllers — Senior Airman Dustin Temple, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Greiner and Senior Airman Goodie Goodman — helped turn the tide of a September battle in Afghanistan, with dozens of airstrikes during 48 hours of fighting.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 12 at 2015 5:56 AM

2015-05-12T05:56:20-04:00

Well deserved. They directed airstrikes against the enemy to save the lives of American SPECOPS and Afghan Commandos. Well done and congratulations to the three Airmen.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-05-12T09:43:12-04:00

There is now an inquiry as to why SrA Temple wasn't considered for the MOH. I think he still could be, as it only took 34 years for A1C William Pitsenbarger to have his Air Force Cross posthumously upgraded to the MOH - along w/ a posthumous promotion to E-5.

This airmen are shining examples of what the American military person is capable of. High Speed & Low Drag, gentlemen!

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made May 12 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-05-12T10:42:55-04:00

While there have been a FEW MoH given to Enlisted NON-Fliers, I believe that with all things in the AF there is a strong class division between the Commissioned Fliers and the rest of the Air Force.

The acts of heroism that have come out of the STS Squadrons during these last couple of conflicts have several incidents that have rated the MoH in my eyes.

Response by Col Wayne Rose made May 13 at 2015 1:43 PM

2015-05-13T13:43:04-04:00

Job well done

Response by TSgt Daniel Wareham made May 13 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-05-13T14:01:59-04:00

Why wasn't he submitted for the Medal of Honor? 80 lives saved. There hasn't been an Airman who has been submitted for the MoH since Vietnam.

Response by SrA Erin Hood made May 13 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-05-13T15:43:17-04:00

Hoo-Yah..!!

Response by LTC John Mohor made May 29 at 2015 10:52 PM

2015-05-29T22:52:25-04:00

Well deserved honor. Thanks for the post!

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made May 31 at 2015 1:13 AM

2015-05-31T01:13:28-04:00

HOOYAH!