An Air Force combat controller will be awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a 2015 battle in Afghanistan that protected his special forces team while pinned down, and resulting in the deaths of “many” enemy fighters. TSgt. Brian Claughsey, a combat controller with the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, was embedded with a US Army Special Forces team in Kunduz, when, with no regard for his personal safety, he exposed himself to enemy fire to coordinate 17 airstrikes against Taliban fighters. His actions ensured the safety of 150 friendly forces, killed many Taliban fighters, and resulted in zero civilian casualties. Claughsey will receive the award during a ceremony Friday at Pope Army Airfield, N.C. He is the latest is a series of airmen from the 21st STS to be recognized for valor. The squadron has, since 2008, had five airmen receive the Air Force Cross and 10 receive the Silver Star, including one with an Oak Leaf Cluster.
Space Force’s Top Guardians Share Their Stories
Feb. 27, 2026
Winners of the Space Force’s fourth annual, service-wide Polaris Awards had the chance to discuss the actions that led to their awards from the main stage here at AFA’s Warfare Symposium on Feb. 24, in a panel discussion moderated by Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna.