Combat Controllers Receive Medals

Among 10 Bronze Star medals presented Feb. 5 to Air Force Special Operations Command combat controllers with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., were two, including one for Valor, to TSgt. Christopher Grove. According to the citation recognizing his Valor award, while deployed to Afghanistan, Grove directed airstrikes with six 500-pound bombs against enemy forces that were as close as 120 meters from his position; he continued calling in close air support with 15 insurgents closing on his position. The other 23rd STS members who received Bronze Stars for their meritorious service were: Lt. Col. Brett Nelson, Maj. Gregory Mallon, Capt. Julio Terrero, CMSgt. Antonio Travis, SMSgt. Carlos Neris, MSgt. Donald Stevens, TSgt. Joseph Hepler, and SSgt. Ryan Carter. (Hurlburt report by Buffy Galbraith)