Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James has approved nine valor award upgrades for eight airmen after a Defense Department-directed review, the Air Force announced Thursday.

James, who will be leaving the job on Friday along with the Obama administration, approved the upgrades on Tuesday, according to an Air Force announcement.

Two review boards - one for the Air Force Cross, which is second only to the Medal of Honor, and the other for the Silver Star, which is the nation's third-highest valor award - were held in May as part of the review process. The boards looked at 147 awards, which included 12 Air Force Crosses and 135 Silver Stars. Of those, 12 upgrades were recommended and nine were approved.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the military-wide review in 2016 to ensure service members from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were appropriately recognized for their actions. More than 1,300 combat valor decorations awarded across the services since 9/11 were reviewed, and fewer than 100 have been recommended for possible upgrade. 

The review was prompted by criticism from combat veterans, lawmakers and historians who said the military had failed to appropriately recognize these acts of valor.


The nine upgrades approved by James include two Air Force Crosses, four Silver Stars, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses with valor.

Two airmen will receive the Air Force Cross. They are:

Four airmen will receive the Silver Star. They are:

  • Col. Christopher Barnett, who will receive two Silver Stars for two separate acts. Each Silver Star was upgraded from a Distinguished Flying Cross with valor.
  • Retired Lt. Col. Gregory Thornton (upgraded from Distinguished Flying Cross).
  • Retired Lt. Col. Alan Botine (upgraded from Distinguished Flying Cross with valor).
  • Retired Master Sgt. Kristopher Parker (upgraded from Bronze Star with valor).

Two airmen will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor. They are:

  • Retired Col. David Kennedy (upgraded from Distinguished Flying Cross). This is a posthumous award.
  • Lt. Col. James Holder (upgraded from Distinguished Flying Cross).

Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com .  

About Charlsy Panzino

Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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