During Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, TSgt John Chapman, an Air Force Special Operations Command combat controller, charged a frontal gun emplacement, killing several of the enemy, in an effort to rescue a fallen comrade. His actions save the lives of his entire team. Chapman will receive the Air Force Cross posthumously. (See Jan. 10, 2003.) (Also see Sept. 13, 2002, noting award of posthumous Air Force Cross to SrA. Jason D. Cunningham, a pararescue jumper (PJ), for his actions during Anaconda.)
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American
