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2013 SAN ANTONIO AIR FORCE BALL

Into the Wild Blue Yonder: “Proud Past…Promising Future”

66YEARS



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-51 Mustang

Was main fighter in Korean War until the F-86 took over that role.

1956

Fighter, Bomber

1942



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:August 5, 1950Hanchang, Korea

During a close air support mission, antiaircraft fire damaged his F-51. Rather than abandon his aircraft, he continued the attack under heavy fire. His aircraft was again damaged, and he dived to his death onto the enemy gun battery.

August 24, 1951

Maj Louis J. Sebille



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: F-22 Raptor

2005

Stealth Air Superiority Fighter

Has additional capability to include ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence

Langley, Holloman, Eglin, Nellis, Tyndall, Edwards, Elmendorf, and Hickam



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:September 14, 1951Near Yangdok, Korea

He successfully attacked an enemy supply train. When he ran out of ammunition, he used a searchlight mounted on his aircraft to illuminate the target for another B-26. Despite heavy antiaircraft fire, he continued to light the area. His B-26 was hit and crashed into surrounding mountains and exploded.

June 12, 1954

Capt John S. Walmsley, Jr.



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

A-1 Skyraider

VietnamFirst arrived at Bien Hoa Air Base in 1964, assigned to 1st SOS, call sign Hobo.Provided critical close air support to ground forces

1970

Attack

1962



MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Maj George A. Davis

February 10, 1952Near Sinuiju-Yalu River, Korea

He encountered 12 MiG-15s approaching friendly fighter-bombers on an interdiction mission. He sped into combat and quickly destroyed two MiGs. While pursuing a third MiG, his aircraft sustained a direct hit and crashed. At his death, he had 14 victories in Korea to his credit. He was posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1953.May 14, 1952



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: F-16 Fighting Falcon

1978

Multi-Role Fighter / Air Superiority Day Fighter

Since Sept. 11, 2001, it has been major component of the combat forces fighting terrorism. Supported Op Noble Eagle, Enduring & Iraqi FreedomHill, Luke, Shaw, Lackland, Aviano, Spangdahlem, Eielson, Kunsan, Misawa, Osan



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:November 22, 1952Near Sniper Ridge, North KoreaDuring a close air support mission, his flight was dive-bombing enemy gun positions. He was hit repeatedly by ground fire during his dive. Instead of withdrawing, he aimed his F-80 directly at the gun positions and deliberately crashed into them, destroying them. an Air Force Base in Maine was named in his honor.

October 1, 1954

Maj Charles J. Loring, Jr.



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

P-38 Lightning

WWII - Was used most successfully in the Pacific theater and the China-Burma-India theaterFirst fighter to fly faster than 400 mph.

1949

Fighter Aircraft

1941



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:March 10, 1966A Shau, Vietnam

Under attack by 2K North Vietnamese Army regulars, and low ceiling, one of his wingman crash landed. Believing his fellow airman would be captured or killed, he landed on a severely damaged airstrip, rescued the downed airman, and retook flight. escaping heavy ground fire.

January 19, 1967

Maj Bernard F. Fisher



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: F-35 Lightning II

2006

Multi-Role Fighter

Descended from the X-35 and the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.

Eglin & Tyndall



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:April 11, 1966Near Cam My, Vietnam

Initially, he was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, was later awarded the MOH for treating and protecting scores of wounded infantrymen while under intense enemy fire and being mortally wounded himself, in a rain forest stronghold near the Vietnamese capital of Saigon.

December 8, 2000

A1C William H. Pitsenbarger



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-82 Twin Mustang

Korean WarThe first three North Korean aircraft destroyed by U.S. forces were shot down by this aircraft.

1953

Long-Range Escort Fighter

1946




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Capt Hilliard A. Wilbanks

February 24, 1967Near Da Lat, Vietnam

A forward air controller, he was flying a recon mission 100 miles north of Saigon and spotted large communist force waiting to ambush a group of Army Rangers. He warned the Rangers by radio, opened fire with phosphorous rockets, then later with a M-16. He received a mortal wound on his third strafe and crashed nearby.

January 24, 1968



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: F-15 Eagle

1976

Air Superiority Fighter

They accounted for 36 of the 39 Air Force air-to-air victories during the first Gulf War

Mountain Home, Seymour Johnson, RAF Lakenheath, Kadena



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:March 10, 1967Over North Vietnam

50 miles north of Hanoi on an attack run, he, along with his wingman, were the only two left to destroy key antiaircraft defenses. Despite extensive damage to his aircraft and continuing antiaircraft fire, he successfully flew repeated close range strikes to silence enemy defensive position.February 8, 1968

Capt Merlyn H. Dethlefsen



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-111 Aardvark

Vietnam: Participated in Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II.Flew more than 4K combat missions in Vietnam with only six combat losses.

1998

Interdictor, Fighter & Strategic Bomber

1967



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:April 19, 1967Over North Vietnam

In a F-105 aircraft, on a surface-to-air missile (SAM) suppression mission, he, along with his wingman, attacked and silenced two SAM sites. With his wingman shot down, he relayed their location and downed one MIG-17. He left for fuel yet returned early to damage another MIG and drive three away, all on very little fuel.

November 6, 1973

Maj Leo K. Thorsness



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-102 Delta Dagger

First operational supersonic fighter. Served in Vietnam, flying fighter patrols and serving as bomber escorts. A total of 15 aircraft were lost in Vietnam, one to air-to-air combat.1979

Interceptor Aircraft

1956




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Maj George “Bud” Day

August 26, 1967North Vietnam

Forced to eject his aircraft and with a broken arm and sprained knee, he was captured by hostile forces. He escaped, despite his injuries, surviving on a few berries and uncooked frogs. While in the DMZ he was shot and recaptured, then brought to Hanoi, offered max resistance in face of deadly enemy pressure.

March 6, 1976



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-5A Freedom Fighter

Vietnam; Adopted as an OPFOR "aggressor" for dissimilar training role because of its small size and performance similarities to the Soviet MiG-21

1990

Supersonic Fighter

1962



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:1966, 1966, 1968 Vietnam

A three time AF Cross recipient, he destroyed heavily defended Hanoi petroleum storage complex in June ’66. He searched for a downed pilot in hostile territory in August ‘66, and through personal fortitude and absolute heroism, he withstood the most brutal of Vietnamese tortures, not allowing them to gain useful propaganda statements.

Col. James H. Kasler



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

A-10 Thunderbolt II

1977

Close Air Support, Forward Air Control, and Ground Attack

Designed solely for close air support of ground forces, to attack tanks, armored vehicles, and ground targets with limited air defenses.Davis-Monthan, Moody, Spangdahlem, Osan, Whiteman, and 6 ANG bases



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:November 9, 1967North Vietnam

After ejecting from disabled aircraft, he evaded capture for over 6 weeks. He was captured, and though seriously injured and emaciated, he overpowered a guard, and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured several hours later. Interrogated and severely tortured, he never divulged info or complained of his physical condition.

March 23, 1976

Capt Lance P. Sijan



OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-84 Thunderjet

USAF's primary strike aircraft during the Korean War, flying 86,408 missions and destroying 60% of all ground targets in the war as well as eight Soviet-built MiG fighters1959

Fighter-Bomber

1947




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Capt Gerald O. Young

November 9, 1967Khesanh, Vietnam

After a daring rescue, under heavy ground fire, his HH-3E crashed. Disregarding serious burns, he aided one of the wounded to safety. Rather than allow the enemy to use him as "bait" for an ambush, he led them away from the crash site, and evaded the enemy for over 17 hours until a rescue could be made the following day.

May 20, 1968



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

A-7 Corsair II

Vietnam, Operation Cornet Dancer, Operation Cornet Cove, Operation Just CauseDuring Vietnam, it flew 12,928 sorties with only six losses.

1991

Subsonic AttackFirst w/ HUD, INS, and Turbofan Engine

1967



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:April 20, 1967Vietnam

While leading a flight of F-105s, his flight destroyed or pinned down a number of enemy AAA and SAM crews, enabling the strike force to eliminate an important railroad target, in spite of intense enemy fire and weather that hindered navigation.

1Lt Karl W. Richter



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-86 Sabre

Korean War – Primary air-to-air fighter used by USAFTaiwan Strait Crisis -Operation Black MagicFirst Swept Wing fighter to counter MiG-15

1970

Transonic Fighter

1949



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:August 11, 1967North Vietnam

He led his strike force of eight F-4C aircraft against a key railroad and highway bridge in North Vietnam. Despite intense fire, multiple SAM attacks on his force, and continuous harassment by MiG fighters defending the target, he led his force through to help destroy this significant bridge. As a result the flow of war materials into this area was appreciably reduced.

Brig Gen Robin Olds



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

F-100 Super Sabre

Vietnam Flew extensively over South Vietnam as the Air Force's primary close air support jet until replaced by the more efficient subsonic LTV A-7 Corsair II.

1971

Supersonic Fighter

1954



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:April 2, ‘67; May – Nov ‘69

Dong Hoi & Hanoi, Vietnam

In 1967 he led an attack on SAM site, and reconed a hostile highway. His F-105 hit, he ejected and acted as a FAC, calling in ordnances to attack the hostile forces. In 1969, as a POW he escaped, was recaptured, and was severely tortured. He refused to give information or submit to enemy demands. His escape lifted the morale of fellow POWs.

Col John A. Dramesi



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

HU-16 Albatross

Used extensively in Korea for combat rescue, where it gained a reputation as a rugged and seaworthy craft. It saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War

1995

Search and Rescue & Combat Search and Rescue

1949



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:March 11, 1968Phou Pha Thi, Laos

Manning a top-secret position, his base was overrun by ground forces. With his crew dead or wounded, he single-handedly held off the enemy, while simultaneously directing air strikes and rescue. Waiting for all others to be rescued, he was mortally wounded before entering the rescue helicopter.

September 21, 2010

CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger



OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

B-57 Canberra

Recon version used in Op “Heat Throb” over Europe. First Combat roll in Vietnam as part of Op Rolling Thunder.First U.S. jet bomber to drop bombs during combat.1983

Tactical Bomber & Reconnaissance Aircraft

1953




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Lt. Col Joe M. Jackson

May 12, 1968Kham Duc, Vietnam

He volunteered to rescue a Combat Control team, on a heavily damaged airfield, while under intense fire by hostile forces. He showed superb airmanship and heroism landing his C-123 near the 3-man team, getting them onboard, and taking off while continuing to under heavy attack.

January 16, 1969



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

B-52 Stratofortress

1956

Long Range Bomber

After the fall of the Soviet Union, all 365 B-52Gs in service were cut into pieces using a 13,000 lb guillotine IAW the START treaty. Barksdale, Edwards, & Minot




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Col William A. Jones, III

September 1, 1968Near Dong Hoi, Vietnam

At an attempted rescue of a downed pilot, his A-1H was hit by antiaircraft fire. Spotting the pilot, his ejection system was hit, causing his cockpit to engulf in flames. Unable to eject or radio the location, he flew back to base, severely injured, and gave the location while on the operating table.August 6, 1970



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

B-50 Superfortress

Recon over Soviet Union. Soviet fighters could not intercept this aircraft due to their high altitude .112 of them were converted to refuelers in 1957 after jet-engine fighter gained superiority.

1965

Strategic Bomber/ Reconnaissance/Refueler

1948



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT:November 26, 1968Near Duc Co, Vietnam

As pilot of a UH-1F transport helicopter, he went to the aid of a 6-man recon patrol in danger of being overrun by a large, heavily armed hostile force. Low on fuel, he made two attempts in the open, rescued the patrol, and made a successful takeoff through a barrage of hostile fire.

May 14, 1970

1Lt James P. Fleming



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

B-1B Lancer

1986

Long-range Bomber

For every flight hour, this aircraft needs 48.4 hrs of repair at a cost of $63K per flight hour.

Dyess, Edwards, Eglin, Ellsworth



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:March 16, 1968Near Khe Sanh, Vietnam

A F-4C Aircraft Commander providing cover for cargo aircraft, the airfield was under heavy attack. Although sustaining severe damage to his aircraft, he succeeded in destroying six heavy weapon positions. He not only impaired the hostile force's capability to impede the resupply, but also reduced further losses to friendly cargo aircraft & crews.

Col Ralph S. Parr



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

B-2 Spirit “Stealth Bomber”

1997Stealthy, Long-range Bomber (Nuclear & Conventional Weapons)The total program cost including development, engineering and testing, averaged $2.1 billion per aircraft in 1997.

Edwards & Whiteman




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

A1C John L. Levitow

February 24, 1969Long Binh Army Post, Vietnam

As a loadmaster on an AC-47, he acted quickly to save his aircraft after it was hit by enemy fire. Wounded, he threw himself upon a magnesium flare and tossed it out of the aircraft moments before it ignited. He is the lowest ranking airmen to receive our nation's highest recognition for bravery

May 14, 1970



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

MH-53 Pave Low

During Operation Desert Storm, this aircraft was the first aircraft to enter Iraq, leading the Army's Apaches.

2008

Long-range Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Helicopter

1968




WHERE:

WHAT:

GIVEN:

Capt Steven L. Bennett

June 29, 1972Quang Tri, Vietnam

After being denied air and artillery support to repel an enemy attack on a friendly unit, this OV- 10 pilot and his observer made 4 strafing passes on the hostile positions. After a 5th pass, his aircraft was struck with a SAM. Unable to eject or recover, he elected to ditch in the Gulf of Tonkin, saving his observer, but killing himself.

August 8, 1974



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: HH-60 Pave Hawk

1979

Personnel Recovery Medium-Lift

After Hurricane Katrina, 20+ were deployed in support of recovery operations. Crews flew 24-hr ops for nearly a month, saving more than 4,300 Americans.Davis-Monthan, Eglin, Elmendork-Richardson, Kadena, Kirtland, Moody, Nellis, Patrick, & Lakenheath



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:August 28, 1972Thailand

While leading his flight to its assigned position deep in hostile territory, he engaged and destroyed a hostile aircraft while it attempted an attack on another flight of allied aircraft. Through superior maneuvering and use of aircraft capabilities, and in complete disregard for his own safety, he was successful in destroying his fifth North Vietnamese MiG-21.

Brig Gen Richard “Steve” Ritchie



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

UH-1 Iroquois

1960

Utility Helicopter

During the Vietnam Conflict, it flew 15M sorties while conducting troop transport, medical evacuation, emergency resupplies, and armed attacks.Eglin, Fairchild, F.E. Warren, Hurlburt Field, Andrews, Kirtland, Malmstrom, Minot, & Yokota



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:June 1 - 2, 1972North Vietnam

As a HH-53C pilot he penetrated an extremely hostile and heavily defended area to effect the rescue of a downed airman. His first rescue attempt was thwarted by numerous hostile aircraft and missiles. He willingly returned to the high threat area, braving intense ground fire, to recover the downed airman from deep in North Vietnam.

Brig Gen Dale E. Stovall



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

H-3 Sea King

Was primary helicopter for the retrieval of manned space capsules and also served as Presidential transport.

2006

Anti-Submarine Warfare, Search & Rescue, & Utility Helicopter

1961



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:January 21, 1991Iraq

As an A-10 pilot, his flight was tasked to support a search and rescue mission for a US Navy F-14 crew who had been shot down the night before. Over 6 hours, he led his flight deep into enemy territory, through 3 aerial refuelings, an attack on a SCUD missile site, flying at a mere 500 feet, in order to successfully pinpoint survivor’s location.

Brig Gen Paul Johnson



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

H-19 Chickasaw

Korean War Could hold 12 combat ready troops or 8 medical litters. Designed for quick maintenance, complete engine replacement could take place in less than two hours.1963

Primary Rescue and Medical Evacuation

1950



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:February 27, 1991Basra, Iraq

Leading a flight against heavily defended forces during, his F-16 suffered major damage, forcing him to eject in enemy territory. While in descent, he directed his flight, despite being fired upon. Landing, he broke his leg, yet continued to lead his flight, made threat calls to deploy decoy flares, saving airman from direct hits from infrared seeking missiles.

Col William F. Andrews



OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

T-37 Tweet

Began cadet training on the A-model in 1957. The B-model was introduced in 1959. The intake of air into its small turbojets emitted a high-pitched shriek, the piercing whistle quickly gave it the name: "Tweety Bird”2009

Trainer Aircraft

1956



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

T-33 Shooting Star

Used to train cadets from the Air Force Academy at Peterson Field (Peterson AFB). World's best-known aircraft, having served with the air forces of more than 20 nations over several decades.1988

Jet Pilot Trainer

1948



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:October 3, 1993Mogadishu, Somalia

He conducted a fast rope insertion into a helicopter crash site and came under heavy fire. He exposed himself to small arms fire and grenades to provide emergency medical treatment to the survivors, & extract dead/wounded from the wreckage. He broke cover on 3 occasions to locate & provide medical treatment to 3 Rangers. Risking his own life to cross a 45 meter-wide open area blanketed with intense fire from small arms, and rocket propelled grenades.

TSgt Timothy A.Wilkinson



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

T-38 Talon

1961

Advanced Jet Pilot Trainer

World's first supersonic trainer and is also the most produced at 1146 with 508 still active.

Beale, Holloman, Randolph, Columbus, Laughlin, Edwards, Sheppard, Vance



OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

T-43 “The Gator”

Modified Boeing 737-200, referred to as “Flying Classroom”. Contains 12 navigator stations and six instructor positions. Last flown on September 17, 2010 at JBSA-Randolph after 37 years of service.2010

Navigation Trainer

1973



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:March 4, 2002Near Gardez, Afghanistan

Attempting to save a team member, he secured communications with an AC-130 gunship to secure the area, directed and controlled a rescue helicopter, and volunteered to engaged two enemy positions. His advancement on the second position enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact, saving the lives of the entire rescue team.

TSgt John A. Chapman



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: T-1 Jayhawk

1992

Medium-range, Twin-engine Jet Trainer

This aircraft completed one million flight hours with the US Government on 15 December 2005.

Randolph, Columbus, Laughlin, and Vance



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: T-6 Texan II

2000Trainer Aircraft

Replaced all T-37 aircraft by 2009, this aircraft is used by the USAF for basic pilot training.

Columbus, Laughlin, Randolph, Sheppard, and Vance



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:March 4, 2002Near Marzak, Afghanistan

As primary CSAR medic tasked to recover 2 servicemen, his helicopter was hit and crash landed. Despite strong enemy fire and great risk to his own life, he remained in the burning fuselage in order to treat the wounded. He exposed himself 7 times in order to move the wounded to a secure location. His actions delivered 10 gravely wounded Americans to life-saving medical treatment.

SrA Jason D. Cunningham



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

U-2 “Dragon Lady”

1957High-altitude Reconnaissance

At inception, this aircraft’s pilots were required to resign their AF commission and fly as a civilian driver in order to divert military action.Beale



SPECIFICATIONS:

OPERATIONS

SUPPORTED:

RETIRED:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

SR-71 Blackbird

This was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft throughout its career, flying from Los Angeles, CA to Washington D.C. in 64 min and 20 sec.

1989

Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft

1966



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:October 5, 2009Herat Province, AfghanistanAssigned as a combat controller to an Army Special Forces Det, he and his team was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. Shot in the chest and pinned down with no escape route, he seized the initiative and refused to relinquish his duties. He engaged the enemy and controlled 3 A-10 strafing runs, 30 ft away, enabling his team to escape.

SSgt Robert Gutierrez, Jr.



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

E-4B Nightwatch

1974

Airborne Operations Center

The four airframe fleet will typically fly more than 50 overseas missions, including stops in more than 25 countries.

Offutt



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: E-3 Sentry

March 1, 1977Airborne Early Warning

Capable of conducting surveillance from Earth's surface to the stratosphere, over land or water, at a range of more than 200 miles.Elmendorf-Richardson, Kadena, and Tinker



WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

AIR FORCE CROSS RECIPIENT:May 4, 2010Afghanistan

Upon landing after a helicopter assault, he received reports of multiple surrounding enemy positions. His team received heavy fire and he took action to save 3 Afghan soldiers and evac 2 KIA. He ran out into the open to guide the helicopter to land, engaged enemy positions, and called in strafe attacks. He braved enemy fire and put himself at grave risk 4 times during the 10 hour firefight.

Capt Barry F. Crawford, Jr.



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: E-8 Joint STARS

1996

Ground Surveillance

Long-range air-to-ground radar capable of locating, classifying, and tracking moving ground vehicles out to distances in excess of 124 miles.Robins



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

MQ-1 Predator

1995

Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Capable of carrying two hellfire missiles and has a flight time of 14 hours.

Cannon, Creech, Ft Polk, Ft. Huachuca, Grand Forks, Holloman, March, and Whiteman



SILVER STAR RECIPIENT:WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

TSgt Ismael Villegas

Sep 24, ‘09 and Feb 6-24, ‘11

Afghanistan

In ‘09, during a 16 hr firefight, he was ambushed by enemy fire & remote controlled explosives. He charged 200 ft in the open to an effective area to suppress the enemy, saving the lives of his team. In ’11, during an 18-day mission, he controlled 40 aircraft, delivering 32.5K lbs of ordnance, with 21 enemy kills, he risked his life to save an American soldier.



SPECIFICATIONS:

INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED: RQ-11 Raven

2003

Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Weighs about 4.2 lbs and had a flight endurance of 60-90 min with a range of 6.2 miles.

Portable Airframe imbedded with ground forces.



INTRODUCED:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

:

NOTABLE FACTS:

STATIONED:

SPECIFICATIONS:

MQ-9 Reaper

2003Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Can carry up to 14 Hellfire missiles and stay in flight for 14 hours, fully loaded.

Cannon, Creech, Holloman, and Hancock Field



SILVER STAR RECIPIENT:WHEN:

WHERE:

WHAT:

SSgt Dale C. Young

May 19 - 23, 2009Helmand Province, Afghanistan

While conducting an operation, his element came under fire for over 94 hrs. Taliban insurgents 105 meters from his position, he controlled 11 coalition aircraft and ensured safe and effective fires placed on enemy positions, mitigating collateral damage. His calm demeanor under fire saved the lives of many personnel and ensured destruction of a large black tar opium cache valued over $1B.