Airmen Honored for Heroic Actions in Somalia

Airmen Honored for Heroic Actions in Somalia

By MSgt. Louis A. Arana-Barradas Air Force News Service

WASHINGTON -- Two U.S. Air Force airmen were among 14 Americans and one Italian honored with awards for their meritorious service during Operation United Shield. The awards were presented by Secretary of Defense William J. Perry at a Pentagon ceremony held on March 17.

1st Lt. Kurt W. Buller and SSgt. Jerry L. Bosworth each received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for their exemplary actions during the operation. The event recognized their critical roles in a mission that successfully evacuated United Nations peacekeepers from Somalia from March 1-3.

Operation United Shield, a multinational 72-hour mission, involved over 9,000 military personnel and faced significant challenges due to threats from Somali armed militia. The mission required precision, speed, and courage to ensure the safety of all involved. Perry highlighted the operation as a demonstration of the military's readiness and ability to deploy on short notice.

"Protecting peacekeepers in hostile conditions and conducting a safe withdrawal is no small feat," said Perry. "To all who served -- and particularly those we honor today for exceptional service, skill, courage, and creativity -- I'm extremely proud of you."

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John M. Shalikashvili and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, commander in chief of U.S. Central Command, also attended the ceremony and offered remarks of gratitude and recognition.

Shalikashvili emphasized the operation's importance, calling it a "noble effort." "We must honor the tremendous contributions of all men and women involved in this mission," he said.

Key Contributions Recognized

1st Lt. Kurt W. Buller, a combat controller and officer in charge of Blue Team, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., was the senior air traffic controller in Mogadishu. He managed air space and provided terminal guidance for over 150 sorties. His work was credited with ensuring the safe and effective use of airspace throughout the operation.

Reflecting on his recognition, Buller, of Yorktown, Va., remarked, "As part of our job, we go in quietly, do the job quietly, and get out quietly. This ceremony has been a rare occasion for us to come out and have someone slap us on the back. It's not needed, but it is appreciated."

SSgt. Jerry L. Bosworth, a secure telecommunications systems technician with the Joint Communications Support Element, MacDill AFB, Fla., provided critical communications repair support in Mogadishu. He was praised for his "remarkable personal initiative, technical expertise, detailed knowledge of multiple systems, positive 'can do' attitude, and superb leadership."

Bosworth, from Limestone, N.Y., expressed his pride in representing his unit. "This is great. I feel proud to be able to represent JCSE ... happy I was chosen to represent them. We've had awesome treatment since we arrived."

A Mission to Remember

Operation United Shield exemplified the courage and professionalism of the U.S. Armed Forces. The awards ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of those who participated in the mission.

Both Buller and Bosworth demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, reinforcing the military's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to international crises. Their contributions were instrumental in the operation's success and reflected the core values of the U.S. Air Force.