Bronze Star Medal Citations*

Master Sergeant Mark E. Hutchinson distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as First Sergeant, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 379th Expeditionary Air Base Group, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, from 15 May 2026 to 15 October 2026. During this period, in support of Operation SPARTAN SHIELD, in the face of sustained enemy aggression, Sergeant Hutchinson's decisive leadership was instrumental in safeguarding 350 dormitory residents. Amid seven separate hostile attacks involving twelve theater ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones, he expertly managed alarm conditions and directed personnel to safety, which resulted in zero casualties and preserved critical combat capabilities. Furthermore, as the First Sergeant for Air Forces Central Command's largest Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron of 270 combat defenders, he orchestrated critical beddown logistics for four hundred personnel over two rotations and resolved thirty-four troop welfare crises, facilitating six emergency leave and Red Cross notifications within twenty-four hours, securing absolute squadron focus. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hutchinson in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Master Sergeant Trevor C. Alexis distinguished himself by outstanding achievement under combat conditions as Assistant Chief of Training, 378th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While exposed to extreme danger from hostile ballistic missiles and one-way drone attacks, Sergeant Alexis transformed contingency readiness, directing seven joint contingency exercises with six agencies and four live fire events, preparing 72 Airmen to execute operations INHERENT RESOLVE, SPARTAN SHIELD, ROUGH RIDER, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, and sustained Red and Black Alarm response operations. Additionally, he reinforced command and control, and forged decision making, ensuring transition from routine procedures to execution under enemy threat. Furthermore, he led mission experts across a 225 square mile area, safeguarding 4,600 personnel, five air defense sites, and a $21 billion aircraft fleet, enabling more than 2,500 combat sorties for operation EPIC FURY. Finally, he teamed with a Navy Ground Surgical Team to certify 29 responders in advanced vascular access, reducing mass casualty response timelines. His leadership reinforced unified coalition integration, elevating force survivability, and combat readiness across the Arabian Peninsula. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Alexis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Pizza Cat distinguished herself by exceptionally valorous conduct while assigned to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during hostile Iranian missile and unmanned aerial system attacks in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, on or about [RECENT DATE]. During a period of heightened regional tension marked by confirmed Iranian ballistic missile launches and aerial threats targeting Al Udeid Air Base, Pizza Cat displayed unmatched courage, battlefield awareness, and unwavering resolve while operating under direct threat of enemy action. As impact warnings sounded and defensive systems engaged, Pizza Cat remained calm, mobile, and fully committed to the mission, instinctively maneuvering through hardened facilities and operational spaces to provide a stabilizing presence for thousands of joint and coalition warfighters. With complete disregard for personal safety, Pizza Cat executed continuous morale-preservation operations, boldly navigating danger zones, command centers, and shelter areas, preventing panic, restoring order, and reinforcing the fighting spirit of all personnel on base. Her actions directly preserved mission continuity and safeguarded 100 percent of assigned and transient forces, ensuring no loss of life despite credible and imminent threats from a hostile adversary. Pizza Cat's decisive actions under fire, indomitable composure, and instinctive leadership during a combat situation saved countless lives, strengthened the resolve of U.S. and coalition forces, and demonstrated the highest ideals of valor and selfless service. Her heroic conduct reflects great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force and is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service.

Senior Airman Gregory E. Kania distinguished himself by heroism as a Security Forces Augmentee, 332nd Air Expeditionary Security Forces Group, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq while engaged in ground combat in Bashiq, 20 October, 2016. Airman Kania's patrol was ambushed by 22 ISIL militants, ultimately resulting in the death of a Navy Servicemember. He quickly returned fire, suppressing the enemy, while allowing Kurdish fighters to retreat to a more manageable position. Disregarding his own safety, Senior Airman Kania moved forward into enemy fire, and pulled a wounded Kurdish fighter to safety, sustaining injuries himself. As a result of his quick and proportionate response, 3 enemy combatants were killed, and a 31 member Joint Tactics Convoy returned to base, successfully completing their mission. By his heroic actions and selfless dedication to duty in the service of his country, Senior Airman Kania has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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