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

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 12 May 2015 03:48:09 -0400

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

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 12 May 2015 05:56:20 -0400

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

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 09:43:12 -0400

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

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Tue, 12 May 2015 10:42:55 -0400

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

Col Wayne Rose — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:43:04 -0400

Job well done

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

TSgt Daniel Wareham — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:01:59 -0400

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

SrA Erin Hood — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:43:17 -0400

Hoo-Yah..!!

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

LTC John Mohor — Fri, 29 May 2015 22:52:25 -0400

Well deserved honor. Thanks for the post!

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

Capt Christian D. Orr — Sun, 31 May 2015 01:13:28 -0400

HOOYAH!