AFSOC recognizes Outstanding Airmen of the Year
William Becker, former member of the 801st and 492nd Bombardment Group, known as the Carpetbaggers, speaks during Air Force Special Operations Command’s 2016 Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 10, 2017. The 801st BG was established at Harrington Field, England, in September 1943. Almost a year later, it would be redesignated as the 492nd BG, a cover for their secret mission—Operation Carpetbagger. During the war, the 492nd BG helped deliver more than 5,000 tons of supplies including 18,535 containers, 10,700 packages, 662 spies and approximately one million gallons of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Pick)