2013 San Antonio Air Force Ball - Slideshow

2013 SAN ANTONIO
AIR FORCE BALL
Into the Wild Blue Yonder: “Proud Past…Promising Future”
66 YEARS

2013 SAN ANTONIO AIR FORCE BALL
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, 1950
Hanchang, 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:
September 14, 1951
Near 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
Vietnam
First 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

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Maj George A. Davis
February 10, 1952
Near 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 Freedom
Hill, Luke, Shaw,
Lackland, Aviano,
Spangdahlem, Eielson,
Kunsan, Misawa, Osan

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
November 22, 1952
Near Sniper Ridge, North Korea
During 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 theater
First fighter to fly faster
than 400 mph.
1949
Fighter Aircraft
1941

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
March 10, 1966
A 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:
April 11, 1966
Near 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 War
The first three North
Korean aircraft destroyed
by U.S. forces were shot
down by this aircraft.
1953
Long-Range Escort
Fighter
1946

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Capt Hilliard A.
Wilbanks
February 24, 1967
Near 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:
March 10, 1967
Over 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:
April 19, 1967
Over 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

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Maj George “Bud”
Day
August 26, 1967
North 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:
November 9, 1967
North 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 fighters
1959
Fighter-Bomber
1947

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Capt Gerald O. Young
November 9, 1967
Khesanh, 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 Cause
During Vietnam, it flew
12,928 sorties with only
six losses.
1991
Subsonic Attack
First w/ HUD, INS, and
Turbofan Engine
1967

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
April 20, 1967
Vietnam
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
USAF
Taiwan Strait Crisis -
Operation Black Magic
First Swept Wing fighter
to counter MiG-15
1970
Transonic Fighter
1949

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
August 11, 1967
North 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:
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:
March 11, 1968
Phou 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

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Lt. Col Joe M. Jackson
May 12, 1968
Kham 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

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Col William A. Jones,
III
September 1, 1968
Near 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:
November 26, 1968
Near 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:
March 16, 1968
Near 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”
1997
Stealthy, 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

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
A1C John L. Levitow
February 24, 1969
Long 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

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
GIVEN:
Capt Steven L. Bennett
June 29, 1972
Quang 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:
August 28, 1972
Thailand
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:
June 1 - 2, 1972
North 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:
January 21, 1991
Iraq
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:
February 27, 1991
Basra, 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:
October 3, 1993
Mogadishu, 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:
March 4, 2002
Near 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
2000
Trainer Aircraft
Replaced all T-37 aircraft
by 2009, this aircraft is
used by the USAF for
basic pilot training.
Columbus, Laughlin, Ran
dolph, Sheppard, and
Vance

WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
March 4, 2002
Near 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”
1957
High-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:
October 5, 2009
Herat Province, Afghanistan
Assigned 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, 1977
Airborne 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:
May 4, 2010
Afghanistan
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
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
2003
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, 2009
Helmand 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.

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