U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Merchant (right), Air Combat Command deputy chief irregular warfare division, holds his decoration paper after receiving the Bronze Star Medal from Maj. Gen. Steven Kwast, ACC director of requirements, during an awards ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Va., June 13, 2012. The Bronze Star Medal, a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration, may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service, and is the fourth-highest combat award within the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as the ninth highest military award. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson/Released)