Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Airman's medal upgraded

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chris Grove, a special tactics combat controller assigned as the 720th Special Tactics Group based at Hurlburt Field, Fla., was awarded the nation’s third-highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy during a ceremony this month. Grove was originally awarded the Bronze Star in October 2008, but due to a review of awards within the 24th Special Operations Wing, the award was upgraded to a Silver Star. The action occurred in November 2007 during a reconnaissance patrol in Afghanistan. Grove was able to call in air strikes against the Taliban that had taken uphill positions, delivering thousands of pounds of munition and securing the safety of his joint and partner forces. Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presented the medal during a ceremony, November 15 at Hurlburt Field. (Source: 24th Special Opertions Wing, 11/15/19)