One of Hurlburt's own Air Commandos awarded Bronze Star

Published Oct. 2, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- A captain from the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic actions in combat during an award ceremony at the Hurlburt Field Airpark Sept. 30.

Capt. Michael Nishimura, an installation deployment officer with the 1st SOLRS, served as a support operations officer with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade, Regional Corps Advisory Command - Central in Afghanistan from July 2008 to July 2009.

During his deployment, according to the award citation, Captain Nishimura led operations and planned logistics for more than 2,000 Afghanistan and U.S. military members located at nine forward operating bases and combat outposts spanning three Afghan provinces. He also led more than 170 combat logistics convoys covering more than 3,000 miles in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I was part of a 12-man advising team that mentored Afghan captains in the areas of personnel, intelligence and operations," Captain Nishimura said. "We ran a lot of missions supplying food and medicine to villagers, and we provided security for locals."

An example of the heroics that earned the captain the medal occurred when his convoy encountered an improvised explosive device on a humanitarian assistance mission.

According to the citation, Captain Nishimura and his team were en route to deliver supplies when the third vehicle in his patrol was hit by an IED. After assessing the damage, he coordinated with his Afghan counterpart to set up security during vehicle recovery operations. Once the area was secure, the convoy cleared the route out of the valley.

"It was intense, but it's just a part of the job we do," Captain Nishimura said.
Despite the explosion, the captain and his convoy successfully delivered the supplies to the village.

"Most casualties are a direct result of ground movements," said Col. Greg Lengyel, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. "He was part of 170 convoys, and that was a significant contribution for the mission by going against the enemy."

In presenting the medal to the captain, Colonel Lengyel emphasized the distinction of receiving an award during overseas contingency operations.

"The longer a conflict goes on, the more difficult it is to get a decoration," Colonel Lengyel said. "It takes more to be recognized, and his actions against the enemy were nothing short of heroic."

Captain Nishimura said he was honored to receive the award, not just for his service in Afghanistan, but because it was his last day as part of the 1st SOLRS.

"As soon the ceremony was over, I got into my truck to PCS to Monterey, Calif. So that was my last memory of Hurlburt Field."