Nine air commandos received five Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals on July 27 for saving the lives of 88 American and Afghan special forces troops over nearly two hours of combat in September 2019. Among those recognized was aircraft commander Lt Col Christopher McCall ’05. The AC-130J Ghostrider crew from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, FL was tasked to provide air cover for special forces in Afghanistan, firing at unnamed enemies who ambushed the American and Afghan team. ““I am humbled by the trust and confidence the ground force placed in our crew to protect them in the critical moments, McCall said.” “Gunship crews train for missions like this, in this environment, night after night. I am truly inspired by the men and women who step into those valleys and towns not knowing what’s around the next corner. I am very proud that our crew was able to support them and execute our mission when it mattered most.” Full story.
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