Combat Control Team
Awards
See also: Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Awards
Combat Controller
Staff Sergeant Richard M. Kruger distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Combat Control Technician, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS), 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base by assisting in providing aircraft protection after his aircraft was forced to divert to an unplanned airfield due to an in-flight emergency while redeploying the 33rd ERQS. His experience as a Combat Controller assisted in flawlessly integrating operations with a Phoenix Raven security team which was dispatched in order to assist in providing 24/7 security operations. Furthermore, his actions safeguarded the aircraft and ensured no breach of physical or information security, ensuring mission accomplishment. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Kruger reflect great credit upon himself, the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Combat Control Journeyman
Senior Airman John M. Houston distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Combat Control Journeyman, 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. During this period, Airman Houston proved himself a true professional by deploying twice to Operation Enduring Freedom and seamlessly integrating with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha, providing Close Air Support for 92 combat missions, 60 humanitarian missions treating 2,000 Afghan local nationals, and controlling five MEDEVAC missions, saving the lives of 13 individuals. Additionally, he served as lead Air Traffic Controller for the Navy's MOBEX and controlled 50 air land sorties to facilitate the movement of 500,000 pounds of equipment for sustainment operations. Moreover, he was a key player in organizing a seven-day training event that showcased the deployment environment for seven Combat Controllers in upgrade training while instructing them on heavy weapons and tactical driving techniques. Finally, Airman Houston demonstrated his commitment to excellence by being one of only three out of 72 Combat Control Operators to be Raven Digital Down Link qualified. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Houston reflect credit upon himself, the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Combat Controller
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Combat Controller with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, United States Air Force, during combat operations in Qalat, Afghanistan, in late May 2008. Staff Sergeant Christopher Greene distinguished himself by exceptional bravery and selflessness while providing critical combat control and close air support during a daring operation in the heart of enemy territory. On the evening of 28 May 2008, while operating in support of a coalition ground unit, Sergeant Greene's team was engaged by a well-organized and heavily armed insurgent force in the vicinity of Qalat, Afghanistan. Despite the overwhelming odds and under constant enemy fire, Sergeant Greene displayed extraordinary courage and leadership by immediately moving toward the most dangerous sector of the battlefield to provide close air support. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Greene repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to establish and maintain communication with aircraft in order to guide precision airstrikes that neutralized enemy positions. While under intense fire from insurgents, he skillfully coordinated with aerial assets and artillery, directing multiple airstrikes to suppress the enemy and support the coalition ground forces' efforts to regain control of the area. When one of his fellow Airmen was critically wounded, Sergeant Greene did not hesitate to move toward the casualty under direct fire. He provided life-saving first aid and personally coordinated the evacuation of the injured member to safety. His quick thinking and decisive action ensured that the casualty received the necessary medical attention, saving the life of a fellow service member and ensuring the unit's continued effectiveness. Despite being injured during the course of the battle, Sergeant Greene continued to perform his duties with outstanding resilience, refusing to be evacuated and remaining in the fight to the very end. His actions were critical in turning the tide of the engagement, ensuring the success of the operation, and contributing to the survival of his comrades. Staff Sergeant Greene's courage, tactical acumen, and unflinching devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, the United States Air Force, and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Joint Terminal Attack Controller
Staff Segeant Henry Shaub distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Combat Control Journeyman, 21st Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing, Pope Field, North Carolina. During this period, Sergeant Shaub contributed to the success of squadron operations through undaunting professionalism, expert skill, and astute leadership. The application of these traits led to the flawless completion of over 120 airdrops, the training of 30 combat control journeyman, and the ongoing adamance of squadron excellence. As a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Sergeant Shaub's personal contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom resulted in 42 successful special operations missions involving 242 fixed and rotary wing assets. In addition, he taught and qualified seven Army Special Operators in landing zone operations, increasing strategic reach in a vital forward deployed location. He also led forward arming and refueling point operations, overseeing over 1200 hours of refueling and rearming, expanding the range of critical close air support and casualty evacuation assets. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Shaub reflect credit upon himself, the 21st Special Tactics Squadron and the United States Air Force.