The Air Force recognized the service of SSgt. Merle Y. Strang, a chaplain’s assistant assigned in 1950 to 5th Air Force in South Korea, by awarding a Bronze Star posthumously to his brother Homer Strang in Brewer, Maine. Sergeant Strang assisted with a Korean War airlift that saved nearly 1,000 orphans.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.