Three combat controllers with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., received Bronze Star medals, two with valor. TSgt. Christopher Grove—Bronze Star with Valor—directed the release of some 20,000 pounds of ordnance to destroy an 80-strong enemy force that outnumbered his patrol in Afghanistan and, in another attack, directed airstrikes during a four-day combat patrol, while under fire himself. SSgt. David Solis—Bronze Star with Valor—directed close-air-support strikes during 20 patrols, including three with troops-in-contact situations; on two other occasions he was returning fire when he directed airstrikes, including one in which he moved during a firefight to the top of a base tower to more accurately direct the aircraft. SSgt. Joseph Hepler was the third Bronze Star recipient. (Hurlburt report by MSgt. Buffy Galbraith)
B-52s Land at RAF Fairford for Bomber Task Force Mission
Aug. 18, 2022
Multiple B-52 bombers from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., arrived at RAF Fairford, England, on Aug. 18 as part of a bomber task force mission in Europe, U.S. Air Forces in Europe announced. Flying into Fairford, the B-52s from the 5th Bomb Wing got a quick start on training with…