An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

720th STG awarded GUC for combat operations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Salanitri
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Air Force officials announced the 2008-2009 U.S. Air Force Unit Awards Friday naming sixteen units among the Air Force's best in five categories.

Air Force Special Operation Command's 720th Special Tactics Group, Hurlburt Field, Fla., earned the Gallant Unit Citation award for the period of Jan. 1, 2006-Dec. 31, 2007 for combat operations.

"What the men are doing on the battlefield is what sets them apart from others," said Col. Bradley Thompson, 720th STG commander. 

Combat controllers conducted more than 4,138 terminal airpower controls on nearly 1,000 direct action missions resulting in 5,211 enemy killed in action and 2,568 captured during this period throughout Afghanistan and Iraq.  CCTs also assessed and controlled 41 austere airfields and 627 drop zones and landing zones.

Pararescuemen provided battlefield trauma care, as well personnel resue and recovery capability.  They conducted the first-ever combat employment of the Rapid Extrication Deployment System, lightweight equipment used to extract personnel from aircraft and vehicle wreckage, to save two lives.

The Special Operations Weather Teams were critical to multiple battlefield victories, according to Colonel Thompson.  They collected, analyzed and reported critical meteorological, hydrographic and geographic information for joint tactical operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

In March 2004, the secretary of the Air Force approved the GUC to recognize organizations for outstanding heroism in combat.

The GUC is awarded to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force on or after Sept. 11, 2001, according to an Air Force Personnel Center fact sheet.

"Our men got the job done on the battlefield," said Colonel Thompson. "I'm proud of them and I'm proud for them. I didn't give them this award, the Secretary of the Air Force did."

"For nearly a decade, these courageous Airmen have been in the most demanding environments, facing the most significant threats and they always make a difference in ways that really matter," said Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, Air Force Special Operations Command commander.

Only individuals who received imminent danger pay during the period of the award identified above are eligible to receive this award and wear the ribbon according to AFPC.

If you have questions about unit awards contact your local Force Support Squadron or call the 24/7 Total Force Service Center toll-free at (800) 525-0102.