Two 3rd AF Airmen receive Bronze Star Medals

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Two 3rd Air Force Airmen recently received Bronze Star Medals for their individual contributions to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Majors Chris Hermann, who was assigned to Multi-national Security Transition Command-Iraq, and Joe Wildman, who was assigned to Multi-National Forces-Iraq, were both awarded the medals by Maj. Gen. Jack B. Egginton, 3rd Air Force vice commander.

"It's a special event any time we award a Bronze Star," Maj. Gen. Egginton said. "It's awarded for one of two things - for an individual act of valor or for a sustained period of meritorious service during combat operations."

Maj. Chris Hermann recieved his medal July 30.

Major Hermann returned to RAF Mildenhall June 15 from Baghdad, Iraq, after a 12-month deployment as the air planner advisor and Iraqi special operations force's air advisor. He helped develop the first national counter-terrorism air capability to combat terrorism, when previously they were unable to get air support without direct United States intervention.

"It's been an interesting year, working with Army special forces," Major Hermann said. "Despite what you hear in the press, there's a real hope that we can accomplish this mission. It can work."

The direct results of his efforts led to more than 1,070 soldiers trained in helicopter operations, improving the Iraqi Special Operations force's overall effectiveness in killing and capturing enemy combatants. Major Hermann helped plan, oversee and coordinate the execution of 22 Iraqi special operations force missions, and he improved training and long-range planning to ensure a national counter-terrorism program for Iraq is sustainable.

"For the last year, Major Hermann has been working hard to increase the capabilities of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces and the Iraqi Air Force" Maj. Gen. Egginton said. "He directly supported the counter-terror mission, helping to put the Iraqi military on a path of self-reliance and success."

Maj. Joe Wildman recieved his medal Aug. 1. He was also promoted to the rank of major.

Maj. Wildman returned from Baghdad Feb. 1 after a seven-month deployment as the operations officer and deputy director of the law and order detachment. He was responsible for the expeditionary security forces detachment providing law enforcement and security within the International Zone. He and the IZ police provided a secure environment for the ambassadors of the United States, Great Britain, Italy, Denmark and Japan, as well as intra-theater commanders and Iraqi government officials.

Major Wildman directed on-scene command and control to more than 60 rocket and mortar attack sites, at times while still under continuing attack. He also organized a multi-agency security and convoy operation for more than 150 Sunni and Shia tribal leaders traveling to the first reconciliation meeting held within the IZ.

He personally breached a building during a hostage situation, disregarding his own safety to ensure no hostages were killed or injured. The standoff ended without any loss of life, with only the gunman sustaining a non life-threatening self-inflicted gun shot wound.

"Securing the IZ is a very dangerous job," Maj. Gen. Egginton said. "Joe protected the lives of ambassadors of five nations, as well as the leadership of the Iraqi Government. They all live and work in that IZ - he did an outstanding job."