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NEWS | July 17, 2006

Bronze Stars: SFS personnel provide crucial support in OIF

By Senior Airman Heidi Davis 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

While traveling south on main supply route Tampa Dec. 5, 2005, near Balad Air Base, Iraq, Staff Sgt. Christopher Willson, 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Detachment 2632 assistant convoy commander, and his Convoy Logistics Patrol were attacked by small arms fire from anti Iraqi Forces on both sides of the road.

"There was a time we didn't know if we would get back," said Sergeant Willson, 1st Security Forces Squadron. "Even when we did, we were afraid to return."

While Sergeant Willson's fear about the situation is outspoken, his ability to react quickly and carefully saved the lives of 39 personnel that day.

Under Sergeant Willson's direction, his gun truck driver maneuvered to the enemy contact side to allow his gunner to engage. While he and his crew endured countless incoming rounds, the other convoy vehicles exited the kill zone and convened at a forward rally point.

"The only thing that kept me going while we were being fired on was the support of my troops," Sergeant Willson said.

Arriving at the rally point safely, Sergeant Willson took command and control responsibilities for the responding Quick Reaction Forces and air support elements.
"We went through four weeks of training in San Antonio prior to our deployment," he said. "The communications training saved lives that day."

Using that training, Sergeant Willson ensured convoy security and radioed for a critical nine-line medical evacuation report. In addition, he arranged for medical airlift for two gunshot victims and recovered three disabled line haul vehicles.

For his actions that day, Sergeant Willson was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor for heroism by Brig. Gen. Burton Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander, June 29 at Heron Hall.

"Whether Sergeant Willson was in the wrong place at the wrong time or maybe it was the right time, he stepped up and did the J-O-B," General Field said. "Often times there is not much else we can do but to thank you for the service you do for your country. But, I want you to know that "thank you" comes from the bottom of our hearts."

Furthermore, Sergeant Willson was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his exceptional meritorious service as a gun truck fire team leader with the 40th Corps Support Group, Det. 2632D during Operation Iraqi Freedom Sept. 1, 2005 to Jan. 25, 2006.

Following Sergeant Willson's presentation, General Field awarded Senior Master Sgt. James Walker, Air Combat Command, a Bronze Star for meritorious service with the Army Sept. 22 to March 13.

As the 785th Military Police Battalion, Foxtrot Company first sergeant at Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sergeant Walker took responsibility for the day-to-day operations of two communal compounds with a combined capacity of more than 2,400 detainees and a visitor center that processed more than 2,500 visitors per month.

Under Sergeant Walker's leadership Foxtrot Company became the first company at Camp Bucca to provide battalion and company leadership with instant access to automated detainee information and the first company to complete a comprehensive Detainee Release Prioritization Database with more than 2,200-catalogued detainees.

"The Army has a different way of doing things," Sergeant Walker said. "While we focus more on keeping people out of the base who don't belong, while deployed, we are more concerned with keeping detainees in. It's a totally different sort of mission."

Finally, Sergeant Walker supervised more than 10 hours of voter processing during Iraq's constitutional referendum; altogether, 98 percent of the detainees were able to participate in the voting process.

Sergeant Walker's dedication to service during his deployment ensured the safety of more than 1,800 fellow Soldiers and Airmen, and more than 8,000 detainees.

Editor's note: Information regarding each of the missions was provided by the Department of the Army and the U.S. Central Command Air Forces.