U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Grover and Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Roe received Bronze Star Medals during a ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 29, 2026, recognizing their leadership and meritorious service during a deployment to U.S. Central Command.
The Bronze Star Medal is the nation's fourth-highest combat award, presented for acts of heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service in a conflict zone.
Under the leadership of Grover, the 480th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, and Roe, the squadron's sortie generation flight chief, the unit generated more than 11,500 combat flight hours, completed over 46,000 maintenance actions and sustained a 78% mission-capable rate.
“Maj. Grover and Senior Master Sgt. Roe contributed to the aircraft, people and equipment deployed with them and tackled every obstacle with their team,” said Col. Jason Purdy, 52nd Maintenance Group commander.
During the deployment, from October 2024 through June 2025, members of the 480th Fighter Squadron, 480th FGS and supporting units earned two Silver Stars, 11 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 12 Bronze Stars. The deployed team also contributed to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing receiving both the Meritorious Unit Award and Gallant Unit Citation.
“They pivoted and excelled at every task and challenge put in front of them,” Purdy said.
The awards recognized Grover's and Roe's leadership while underscoring the contributions of the maintenance and combat support Airmen who enabled airpower operations throughout the deployment.