Updated: 03 June, 2006
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Flight crews receive medals Nearly 100 air crew members with the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base received medals for heroism and exemplary performance in war missions over Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year. A number of fliers were awarded Air Medals for single sorties, missions of great importance where "something happened," as 96th Bomb Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Bob Colella said. One citation cites "outstanding airmanship displayed under extremely hazardous conditions" that were "instrumental to the success of the largest B-52 conventional air-launched cruise missile attack in history, targeting the Iraqi regime and commencing Operation Iraqi Freedom." That mission was accomplished despite systems and weapons malfunctions the crews overcame and despite measures taken to ensure success that included using night-vision goggles, not using exterior lighting or on-board radar and without using coalition air-to-air or electronic attack support. The missions were flown at extreme range, at maximum aircraft flight weights and over periods of 21 hours or more. Crew members also were awarded the Aerial Achievement Medal for meritorious achievement in flight. And three of the squadron personnel received the Meritorious Service Medal. Shreveport Times 15 Nov 03 |
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Hodges receives Air Medal Technical Sgt. Mark A. Hodges of Gepp was one of four Nellis Air Force Base airmen presented medals for heroism during operations supporting the war on terrorism. Hodges was awarded the Air Medal for his work as an aerial gunner aboard an HH-60 G helicopter search and rescue mission in Afghanistan in March. During the mission, Sgt. Hodges and his crew flew through 400 miles of hostile territory to retrieve a critically wounded coalition force member. The mission was conducted in poor weather, at low altitudes with deteriorating visibility. After egress, Hodges performed aerial gunner air refueling duties at 500 feet above the ground in enemy territory with low visibility. His skills and heroism displayed an unwavering resolve in America's war on terrorism, according to the medal citation. Nov 02 |
Colonel Carl Eifler has died aged 95 - Set up and commanded Detachment 101, the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) unit operating behind the lines in Burma during the Second World War. Awarded the Air Medal and the Legion of Merit for his bravery.
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Army Hero Honored at Alma Mater Sgt. James Sides, an Army paramedic who was the sole survivor of the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was honored at his alma mater in a ceremony at Cross County High School. Sides received the Army Air Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Service Medal, and the Purple Heart for his duties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. KAIT, AR - 10 Sep 03 |
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Yokota
officer earns two medals Lt. Col. Richard J. Dieringer of
Yokota Air Base proudly wears the Bronze Star Medal and Air
Medal he was awarded Friday for his service while deployed to
Uzbekistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. The Bronze Star was awarded
for commanding 175 people and six C-130H aircraft while deployed to
Uzbekistan, and the Air Medal was earned on the fly. Typically, the Air
Medal is presented for a specific number of missions in a combat zone,
Dieringer said, noting his is for a single event. Stars
and Stripes 23 Nov 03 |
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Shawnee resident receives Bronze Star, Air Medal Capt. Clifton L. Barger Jr. was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal by the Assistant Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Reginald Brown and the Adjutant General for Oklahoma, Maj. Gen. Harry M. Hyatt III, for his service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Barger was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptional service while assigned as the detachment commander and operations officer for Company G, 149th Aviation in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As the commander, Barger's leadership was instrumental in his unit's successful arrival at the mobilization station within eight days of mobilization day and once in theater ready for missions, in record time, in a combat zone. As a helicopter pilot, Barger was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while performing aerial flight into hostile territory during Operation Iraqi Freedom. News-Star 27 Nov 03 |
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Gordon Wilson Awarded Air Medal With Bronze Star Lt. Commander Gordon Wilson has been awarded the Air Medal by the President of the United States for his service. The citation reads: "For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as Aircraft and Mission Commander of a P-3 aircraft assigned to Commander, Task Group 67.1 deployed to U. S. Naval Forces, Europe in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 10 April 2003. Lt. Commander Wilson provided tactical information directly to Coalition Special Operations Forces in contact with enemy units, specifically along a low-level ingress route southwest of Karbala, Iraq to Baghdad International Airport. With multiple salvos of enemy anti-air artillery encountered in the vicinity of Karbala, he skillfully maneuvered the undefended aircraft to avoid the threat while locating the position of an emitting RADAR guided anti-air artillery site within striking range of the Special Operations Forces aircraft route, passing targeting information to neutralize the threat. During five hours on station, he provided electro-optic and RADAR imaging that enabled Coalition forces to defeat the enemy, ultimately securing an oil pipeline and refinery area southwest of Tikrit, Iraq. His courageous flying saved lives and helped Coalition units secure Baghdad International Airport. By his skillful airmanship, steadfast aggressiveness and exemplary devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Lt. Commander Wilson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." |
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Bravery in Combat--A Soldier's Story: Sgt. Roger Gunnels Sgt. Roger Gunnels would fly more than 50 missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, actions that would later earn him the Air Medal with Valor. WTOC 19 Feb 04 |
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Bravery in Combat--A Soldier's Story: CW2 Nick DiMona For their role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, CW2 Nick DiMona and the aviators of 1-3 Aviation were awarded the Air Medal. wtoc 18 Feb 04 |
Leathernecks get medals for valor in Fallujah fight Three infantrymen with a battalion that took part in the fight for Fallujah this spring received Bronze Star medals Sept. 10 for actions that included the daring rescue of an embattled Amphibious Assault Vehicle crew. One of the Bronze Star medals — which were presented with “V” devices denoting valor — pays tribute to the April 5 actions of Cpl. Brandon J. Berhowgoll who fought and led his men through a barrage of enemy fire despite his own serious shrapnel wounds from a roadside bomb that killed four others in his vehicle. Two medals honor a pair of corporals with 1/5’s Bravo Company who participated in a 90-minute firefight and daring rescue of a platoon deep inside the city on April 13. Cpl. Ronnie Garcia, a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, kicked in the door of a house to find shelter for the Marines in the burning amtrac. He later led the Marines to safety when the rescue force arrived. And Cpl. Bruno J. Romero, a machine-gun squad leader with 2nd Platoon, laid down suppressive fire first from the street and then from the roof of the house. When he ran out of ammo, he grabbed a 9mm pistol from a wounded corpsman and continued firing. Three other Marines with 1/5 also received combat awards in the Sept 10 ceremony:
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Friend helps pilot land war medals Col. Robert Mitchell sits in a plane in Sansapoor, New Guinea, in November 1945. Mitchell served in World War II and the Korean War, but decades later, he still had not received the medals and other honors that he had earned. So his friend Jack Cook submitted the necessary paperwork earlier this year. Mitchell, a retired Air Force colonel, received a Purple Heart, an Air Force Commendation Medal and an Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. news.statesmanjornal.com 12 Sep 04 |
Native American Heritage highlighted in November November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The celebrations recognize their contributions to this country, and showcase the proud traditions of the first Americans. Native Americans have served with distinction in the U.S. military for more than 200 years. They fought in the War of 1812, in the Civil War as auxiliary troops for Union and Confederate forces, and were on the frontlines in the Spanish-American War in 1898. During World War I (WW I) more than 12,000 served in the U.S. Armed Forces. They turned out again in force after the outbreak of World War II (WW II). Over 44,000 Native Americans served in Europe and the Pacific between 1941 and 1945. Since then they have fought in the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars. And the warrior tradition continues with those serving in Iraq today. "American Indians have fought for this country in every war...they have won many military awards. There were 71 Air medals, 51 Silver Stars, 41 Bronze Stars, 34 Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Medals of Honor," said Maniece, cataloguing the honors awarded to Native American war heroes. The three Native American Navy service members that were awarded the highest military decoration -- the Medal of Honor -- are Cmdr Ernest Evans, Lt. Michael Thornton and Chief Boatswain's Mate James Williams. During WW II Evans was honored for his actions as the Commanding Officer of USS Johnston during a sea battle off Samar Island in the Philippines, Oct.1944. Thornton was decorated for his actions as a Navy patrol advisor during combat in Vietnam, Oct. 1972. Williams received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a river patrol boat captain during combat, also in Vietnam, Oct.1966. dcmilitary.com 5 Nov 04
World War II Remembered A summary of war-related events as reported in the Green Bay Press-Gazette from Dec. 12 to Dec. 18, 1944: Mrs. Sarah Jane McMurtagh, 815 S. Van Buren street, has received word that her son, Staff Sgt. John E. McMurtagh has been awarded the Bronze Star for gallantry in action with an infantry unit in Germany (Dec. 13). Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schultz, Gillett route 2, have received word that their son, S/Sgt Paul E. Schultz, has been awarded the Bronze Star in the Southwest Pacific (Dec. 15) …Mrs. Ernie McKeever, Oconto Falls, has received the Air medal that has been posthumously awarded to her son, Staff Sgt. Bernie McKeever of the Air corps (Dec. 15) greenbaypressgazette.com 12 Dec 04
Wyoming men receive medals Navy Lt. Cmdr. Eric R. Vosler recently received the Air Medal First Strike/Flight Award while serving as the aircraft commander of an SH-60B Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42, deployed aboard USS Yorktown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terrorism. Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Drake has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for supporting the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. casperstartribune.net 27 Mar 05
Marine helicopter pilot awarded medal Marine helicopter pilot from Ballston Lake earned an Air Medal by flying combat missions in Iraq. Maj. Jim Longi III earned the award as he flew Marines, cargo, medical evacuation of wounded soldiers, reconnaissance and recovery missions. He also flew his CH-53 Super Stallion aircraft during combat assaults and raids. After flying a total of 75 hours during combat missions, he became entitled to the Air Medal. timesunion.com 16 Apr 05
Memorial Day 2005: Remembering our soldiers here and afar Peter Boylston Adams was shot down no less than five times during his more than 300 hours of combat flying. He still wears North Vietnamese shrapnel in his left leg. During his most memorable battle, when he acquired the left leg hardware, Adams detected and foiled a North Vietnamese ambush planned for the infantry battalion he was supporting. For his heroic service to the nation, Adams was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Oak-Leaf Cluster; the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Bronze Star; the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" for Valor, and the Air Medal with 41 Oak Leaf Clusters. townonline.com 2 Jun 05
Vet receives medal 40 years after service It was a long time coming, but Bill Zensan finally received his Air Medal from the United States government this week for his military service during the Vietnam War. Zensan served in the Vietnam War from 1960-63 and later joined the Coast Guard. He received the Air Medal for his outstanding service during his time in Vietnam. thedailysentinel.com 17 Jun 05
Lillian Keil dies of cancer at 88 Lillian Keil, the most-decorated woman in U.S. military history, has died at the age of 88. Keil was a flight nurse for the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and the Korean War. During her 12 years with the Air Corps, Keil flew 425 missions, including Battle of the Bulge, Normandy, and the Inchon invasion of Korea and earned numerous medals. Among her many honors were four Air Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations, an American Defense Medal, an American Campaign Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. dailybulletin.com 1 Jul 05
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Michael L. Russell Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Rincon, Ga., died Tuesday, June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations. His awards and decorations include the Air Medal with "V" Device, the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Service Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Senior Army Crew Member Badge, the Army Superior Unit Award and the Oversees Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, a second Bronze Star Medal, a second Air Medal with "V" Device, the Meritorious Service Medal, Master Army Crew Member Badge and the Combat Action Badge. fredericksburg.com 10 Jul 05 |
World War II Remembered Following news items are from 1945 - Capt. Zachary T. Ossefort has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Czechoslovakia May 5. First Lt. Robert Mahony has been awarded the Purple Heart and Air medal for duty with the Army Air corps in Europe. Cpl. Harold E. Derbique, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Derbique, 1250 Doty street, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre Avec Palme by the French government for “exceptional military services rendered in the course of operations for the liberation of France.” T/Sgt. Sylvester Strelow, of Gresham, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in the strategic air war over Europe. Lt. George M. Ossefort has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Germany between Feb. 23 and Feb. 26, 1945. Cpl. Charles W. Erickson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in combat on the Fifth Army front in Italy. Sgt. Alfred B. Forsythe has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Italy April 14. greenbaypressgazette.com `17 Jul 05
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7th Fighter Squadron vet receives medals Sixty years after serving in the Army Air Corps, a 7th Fighter Squadron pilot received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. First Lieutenant James Costley, a P-38 pilot in World Word II, received the last of his military decorations in front of three generations of his family, friends and fellow military veterans. blackanthem.com 4 Nov 05 |
Sacramento Medevac Pilot Gets Medal for Valor A Sacramento member of the California Air National Guard is getting a medal for a daring rescue mission in Iraq. Capt. Dan Anderson and his medevac helicopter crew came under enemy fire Aug. 29 but still rescued two injured Army pilots whose own helicopter had been shot down. One of the pilots later died. Anderson, 33, is a member of the 1159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), based near Tikrit. He and co-pilot Chief Warrant Officer Milton Walker of Maryland, crew chief Sgt. Jerome Shai of Maryland and medic Sgt. Kevin Doyle of Massachusetts wore night-vision goggles as their Black Hawk helicopter headed toward the downed pilots. The crew found 12 bullet holes through the helicopter when they returned to their base. Each member was awarded the Air Medal with Valor. sacunion.com 2 Dec 05
Peabody medic gets medal for Iraq rescue Undaunted as gunfire rattled around them, US Army National Guard medic Kevin Doyle and the helicopter crew known as Smuggler 62 touched down in the darkened city of Tal Afar, Iraq. Doyle, a sergeant, leapt from the helicopter and scampered through the streets, clutching his M4 assault rifle in the dark August night. As bullets whizzed around him, he focused only on staying alive and finding two downed helicopter pilots his crew had been summoned to rescue. According to accounts in an Army press release, Doyle, 35, and Smuggler 62 accomplished their mission within minutes: With help from nearby ground troops, Doyle found the pilots, loaded them into the helicopter, and whisked them to safety, all while being vulnerable himself to gunfire. For rescuing the two pilots, Doyle and three other members of Smuggler 62 were awarded the Army Air Medal with Valor in Iraq. boston.com 9 Dec 05
Vice President visits Bagram, presents medals, speaks with troops Vice President Dick Cheney awarded medals for valor in combat to two Army aviators and two infantrymen Monday during a visit with the troops here 19 Dec. Cheney awarded the Bronze Star Medal with valor to Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brooks and Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Holland, both infantrymen assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), for their actions in combat on May 30. Chief Warrant Officer Guy Betts, a pilot from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, received the Air Medal with Valor for engaging the enemy during a medical evacuation mission June 1. Chief Warrant Officer Sean Laycox, a CH-47 Chinook pilot from Company D, 113th Aviation Regiment received the Distinguished Flying Cross for assisting a downed helicopter while under fire during an April 18 mission. blackanthem.com 20 Dec 05
Secretary of Defense honors Bayonet Soldiers Capt. William Swaims (Arkansas), a combat surgeon with Charlie Company, 173rd Support Battalion (Airborne) was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for actions on July 25 in the village of Stah Chow in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Spc. Michael Vertucci (Fishers, IN), serving with Delta Company, 165th Military Intelligence Battalion, was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for actions on June 21 in Miena Shin district, Zabul Province, Afghanistan. Master Sgt Richard Steele (Florida), 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action during an operation in southern Afghanistan. Capt. Matthew Peterson (Eugene, OR), Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, Sgt. Angel Cortez (Willos, CA), Delta Company, 113th Aviation Regiment, and Spc. Jose Rhodes (Texas), Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, received the Air Medal with Valor for actions taken during May and June of 2005 in southern Afghanistan. Sgt. Kenneth Stover (Philadelphia, PA), and Sgt. Angel Sanchez were awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for actions taken on July 25 in the village of Stah Chow in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan army.mil 28 Dec 05
Lieutenant gets Air Medal U.S. Navy Reserve Lt. Tavis Powell, 28, has received an Air Medal (First Strike/Flight Award) for meritorious achievement as a pilot of an F-14B aircraft in Iraq. He completed 20 combat missions and supported ground troops during fighting, according to the citation. orlandosentinel.com 15 Jan 06
Slain Fil-Am fighter pilot gets Bronze Star The United States government will posthumously award the Bronze Star medal to Filipino-American Ruel Garcia, a US Army pilot who was killed in Iraq last month. Garcia, who held the rank of chief warrant officer, will also receive the Purple Heart medal and the Air Medal. manilastandardtoday.com 7 Feb 06
Lives to remember: Pilot had 'vast experience' and a passion for flying When Glenn Alden Leister joined the Army in 1956, he thought it was for six months. He ended up staying for 26 years. Leister was a retired Army lieutenant colonel and a master Army aviator. During his service, he was awarded numerous medals. He flew two tours of duty in Vietnam and earned 19 Air medals, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and a Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster. But in addition to courageous flying, Leister worked to better his craft and its students. He received a Legion of Merit award for his work in rewriting the Airman’s Information Manual and Standard Instrument Departure Procedures and a second Legion of Merit for developing procedures used in air traffic control, flight advisory and flight assistant to users of national airspace. newsadvance.com 18 Mar 06
Coast Guard swimmer awarded Air Medal for flood rescue A Coast Guard rescue swimmer was awarded the military's prestigious Air Medal for saving a drowning woman in a helicopter rescue during New Year's flooding. Petty Officer Dennis Moyer, an aviation survival technician from Fresno, was lowered to the woman's partially submerged car in the Dec. 31 rescue near Ukiah on the Russian River, the Coast Guard said. mercurynews.com 5 Apr 06
Marines pay back service by reissuing hero’s medals They were assumed either lost in a hurricane when Ted Williams lived in Islamorada, Fla., or “borrowed” by Teddy Ballgame’s army of “friends,” says Williams’ lawyer,Peter Sutton.But thanks to Sutton’s efforts, the U.S. Marines have agreed to reissue to Claudia Williams, Ted’s daughter and heir, the many medals her father earned during his nearly five years of duty in two wars. “We would like to do something fitting and appropriate for this great American hero,” said Maj. Chris Hughes. “He gave up his greatest baseball years to serve his country.” Williams served as a Marine pilot from November 1942 to January 1946, then reenlisted in May 1952 and was discharged as a captain in July 1953. Among his many military honors: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Air Medal with two gold stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal. news.bostonherald.com 16 Apr 06
Hatch presents medals to local WWII vet World War II veteran M. Robert Conn receiving two war medals that a U.S. senator, family members and friends called long overdue. On Aug. 1, 1943, 177 B-24 Liberator bombers flew from the Liberian desert to bomb oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania. Ploesti was the major source of oil for the Nazi military and the primary fuel depot for Germany during the war. After three unsuccessful high-level bombings, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for the oil reserves to be destroyed at all costs - saving lives and shortening the war. Conn was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross - the highest aviation medal awarded, the Air Medal. thespectrum.com 21 Apr 06
Coast Guard honors its own for Hurricane Katrina rescues Almost 100 of the U.S. Coast Guard's pilots, engineers, divers, ship captains and crews who helped with Hurricane Katrina rescues were honored for their actions. The highest honors, the Legion of Merit, went to Capts. David R. Callahan and James D. Bjostad, both assigned to the Mobile Coast Guard base. Callahan commands the Aviation Training Center and Bjostad leads Sector Mobile. "I'm in charge of the boats. He does the planes," Bjostad said. Petty Officer Jay Leahr of Cincinnati, Ohio, received the Distinguished Flying Cross, for rescues on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Leahr, a rescue swimmer, recalled flying 11 sorties into the Gulfport area, saving people who had not evacuated from apartments. timesdaily.com 12 May 06
Broken Link - For Information Purposes only:
Gen. William J. Maddox Jr. Dies; Decorated Pilot Served in 3 Wars -
Airmen awarded Rescue Medals - More than 20 airmen stationed at Patrick Air Force Base were given Air Medals for rescue missions they conducted after Hurricane Floyd struck North Carolina two years ago) (Dec 01)
Local hero laid to rest Lt. Col. John H. Stein was laid to rest after his military career ended in Afghanistan March 23 during Operation Enduring Freedom. His last mission had a humanitarian goal. Stein, 39, and five others died while attempting to rescue two injured children. In his military career, he received a Meritorious Service Medal, an Air Medal Aerial Achievement Medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal and an Army Achievement Medal. Macomb Daily Journal, IL - 4 Apr 2003
Pilot
receives Air Medal Lt. Cmdr. Robert B. Makowsky, who
did himself proud with an extraordinary feat of piloting a U.S. Coast Guard
helicopter in Operation Iraqi Freedom, has been awarded the Air Medal.
WW II veteran to receive war medals A veteran of World War II and the Korean War will finally receive medals he earned for service as a turret gunner. Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Mercer will be presented the Prisoner of War Medal and the Air Medal. Mercer was a turret gunner on a B-17 during World War II, when during a bombing run of a submarine port in Germany, his aircraft was heavily damaged, resulting in the failure of three engines over the target. Mercer was a POW for 19 months at four different war camps. Floridatoday 17 Dec 03
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Crew nets medals for C-5's return Capt. Zach Zeiner talks with members of the press before men from his C-5 crew received medals. The 10 Travis Air Force Base aircrew who successfully brought their wounded C-5 Galaxy safely back to the ground after it was hit by an Iraqi missile were honored. Air Medals were awarded to Capt. Zach Zeiner, Capt. Steve Radtke, Master Sgt. Geoff Miller and Tech. Sgt. Eric Troutt. Air Force Commendation Medals were awarded to Capt. Jeff Krulick, Tech. Sgt. Reggie Bazemore, Tech. Sgt. Marcus Rettig, Staff Sgt. Jeff Stanhope, Senior Airman John Cooper and Airman Mohammed Seidu. Daily Republic 6 Mar 04 |
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