Heroes of the Forgotten War

Rumsfeld Pins Medals at Bagram

“I wanted to tell each of you personally that the American people are proud of what you’re doing and grateful to you and your families,” he said.

Then, Rumsfeld pinned the Distinguished Flying Cross on three Army aviators for heroic actions during an April 11 battle with enemy forces in southeastern Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Steven Burr, Sgt. John Irick and Sgt. Ryan Pummill were part of a UH-60 Black Hawk credited for fighting off an enemy attack with their aircraft, which helped a U.S. Special Forces team on the ground below.

The secretary awarded Capt. Jason Thompson, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, the Air Medal for his actions during 20 combat missions this fall. Rumsfeld also oversaw the re-enlistment of two CJTF-76 Soldiers, Staff Sgt. Joseph Villar and Spc. Eric Betts.

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