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U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, Air Force Special Operations Command Commander, presented two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Single Event Air Medals to MC-130H Combat Talon II crews assigned to the 15th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron, Joint Special Operations Air Component Central, and Special Operations Command Central, Nov. 8, 2021, for their extraordinary achievement during aerial missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The DFC is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguishes her or himself, in actual combat, in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The single event air medal is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in an aerial flight.
Slife spoke about the unprecedented combat success the MC-130H Talon II crews with the Air Force Special Operations Command have demonstrated for more than two decades. “Our Talon crews, under your leadership, proudly contributed to that legacy,” said Slife.
The Talon II crews, upon notification of a mission with unspecified objectives, did not hesitate to take action, despite great personal risk. One crew was airborne within 45 minutes, the other within two hours. The Talon II crews performed a mission that saved dozens of lives despite experiencing multiple aircraft emergencies. Both crews were flying at near maximum wartime weight on low fuel, yet were able to overcome adversity and execute a successful mission that ensured the safety of more than 190 personnel and the preservation of five coalition aircraft.
“The disciplined initiative of our talon crew members, and your ability to solve complex problems in the moment is unique,” said Slife. “You represent the competitive advantage that our nation needs.”
Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross:
Maj. Jacob C. Broulirre – Aircraft Commander
Maj. Christopher B. Summerlin – Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot
Recipients of the Single Event Air Medal:
Lt. Col. Chandler A. Depenbrock
Maj. Beau A. Parmer
Capt. Timothy Bush
Capt. Chase K. Swinford
Capt. Roderick C. Walker
Capt. Lauren N. Bailey
Capt. Aaron C. Howard
Capt. Kyle Schuhmacher
Capt. Ryan J. Tillmann
Master. Sgt. Dillon S. Dummitt
Master Sgt. Caitlin E. Disher
Master. Sgt. Sheldon T. Rodden
Tech. Sgt. Joshua A. Kindell
Tech. Sgt Gregory Seider
Tech. Sgt. Mattheau A. Hollis
Staff. Sgt. Cera Wollgast
Staff. Sgt. Mikayl A. Sams
Senior Airman Jonathan Cervantes
There were 19 additional Air Commandos recognized with a single event air medal who were not able to attend.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2021 09:37 |
| Story ID: | 409169 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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