The Air Force has awarded the Airman’s Medal to MSgt. Noel Murphy for his actions to help save other military personnel when their helicopter crashed into a lake in Iraq. Murphy is assigned to the explosive ordnance disposal flight of the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla. During a 2006 deployment to Iraq, Murphy witnessed a Marine Corps helicopter plunge into a lake during an emergency landing attempt, putting 16 personnel in full combat gear in the 300-foot-deep water. Murphy scaled the dam to reach the bank of the lake and dove in to pull people out of the helicopter. He made repeated efforts and, with others, was able to save 12. (Report by SSgt. Mike Meares.)
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.