Wing Airman earns combat action medal

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron shift supervisor is the first wing member to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal for his actions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

Master Sgt. Gerry La Chance earned the honor for his actions five years ago while assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing as a flying crew chief on a special operations mission. 

The Air Reserve Technician retired from the Air Force in 2005 and joined the Air Force Reserve that same year under the active-duty retiree program. 

In 2002, then Technical Sergeant La Chance was on a C-5 mission, flying classified equipment into Saddam International Airport, now Baghdad International Airport, Iraq. 

While much of that mission still remains classified, he said they were continuously fired upon while approaching the airfield. He relayed verbal instructions to the flight crew stating the type of fire, which was anti-artillery, and the direction it was approaching from. The plane landed safely, and the crew was met by Army ground forces. Sergeant La Chance said he began to inspect the aircraft for damage and to assist with the download of equipment when he came under mortar attack and noticed small arms fire in the surrounding area. He reported the incoming munitions to the Army and directed where to return fire. 

The main reason the medal recipient said he feels he earned this honor was for ensuring a safe approach by reporting oncoming fire and for notifying the Army of the location of the small arms fire, allowing them to engage the enemy and secure the area. 

"I wasn't scared," he said. "It was more adrenaline ... we train for situations like this." 

Five years later, the technical sergeant said he read about the creation of and eligibility requirements to receive the Air Force Combat Action Medal. He asked the navigator and pilot on that mission to write a narrative of his combat role that day, he added. This statement was provided to his supervisor and routed through his chain of command that submitted him for the medal in June and was approved by U.S. Central Command in October. 

"Master Sergeant La Chance's actions are just another example of the dedication and service that our MEGP (Mission Essential Ground Personnel) and flight crews provide while routinely flying C-5 aircraft into hostile, austere locations worldwide," said Chief Master Sgt. William Eason, 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance superintendent. 

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley authorized the creation of the medal March 15. The medal recognizes Airmen who engaged hostile forces in the air or on the ground in a combat zone. 

Any Airman who believes they may be eligible for the medal can submit an award package for consideration. Airmen are eligible for the Air Force's newest decoration if their primary role includes performing duty in a combat zone, coming under fire or firing upon the enemy on the ground or from the air. A combat zone is a geographic area in which Airmen receive danger and hostile fire pay. In addition, a narrative explanation of an Airman's role in combat activities must be submitted by a person who witnessed the incident. 

For more information, contact Stanford Drummond, 512th Mission Support Squadron, at (302) 677-3507, or the Air Force Contact Center at DSN 665-5000 or (800) 616-3775.