Latest "Air Medal" stories

An HH-60 Pave Hawk sits on the flightline at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Feb. 13, 2017. (Master Sgt. Benjamin Wilson/Air Force)

Rescue crews honored for response to Iranian ballistic missile attack

“These airmen exemplify the rescue and attack mission of the 355th Wing,” the Air Force said.

By Rachel S. Cohen

3 months ago

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher McCall, 73rd Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron Shadow 71 aircraft commander, receives the Distinguished Flying Cross from U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 22, 2021. Shadow 71 was an AC-130J Ghostrider flight that directly supported American and Afghan forces during an ambush and subsequent firefight, repeatedly engaging multiple enemy positions while simultaneously coordinating a multitude of other support functions in the air. (Tech. Sgt. Victor Caputo/Air Force)

AC-130J gunship team honored for saving 88 Americans, Afghans in overseas shootout

Another AC-130J Ghostrider team has been recognized for their combat valor in Afghanistan.

By Rachel S. Cohen

21 months ago

C-130J crew honored after loadmaster wounded during attack in Afghanistan

Airmen from the 61st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, were flying a mission in support of a quick-reaction force when their Super Hercules came under small-arms fire.

By Rachel S. Cohen

22 months ago

Spooky gunship crew honored for heroism during ferocious Afghanistan battle

“The most lethal part of any gunship ... is the crew," AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Jim Slife said.

By Stephen Losey

3 years ago

Rescue swimmer awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for swimming through hell to rescue 59 others

He swam at night through 80 knot winds, ripped through a roof without the aid of a chainsaw and was repeatedly hoisted more than 100 feet into the air while battling turbulence and dangerous power lines around him as he aided in the rescue of 59 others in Houston, Texas, as Hurricane Harvey battered the area in August 2017.

By Shawn Snow

3 years ago

T-38 pilot who saved two lives and an aircraft receives top safety award

Capt. Matthew Heath, a T-38 instructor pilot, was guiding a student during a landing in Amarillo, Texas, on Nov. 18, 2017, when the aircraft suddenly lost thrust in both engines.

4 years ago