The Air Force has awarded a Bronze Star medal to MSgt. Paul Tranetzke for his actions while deployed from the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., to Al Kasik, Iraq. SrA. Eydie Sakura reports that Tranetzke led a four-man team training Iraqi soldiers in base defense and outside-the-wire patrols. He led more than 900 combat missions and led convoys safely through numerous small arms and IED attacks.
The B-52H Stratofortress that crashed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on June 15 was helping test a new advanced radar that is key to a sweeping modernization of the six-decade old bomber.