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Never leave an Airman behind

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A 325th Security Forces Squadron Airman was awarded the Purple Heart on Sept. 28 at Camp Striker, Iraq, for his life-saving efforts outside the wire.

Senior Airman Jon C. Galley was presented the Purple Heart by Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, U.S. Air Forces Central Command Commander.

"The award of the Purple Heart is acknowledgement that one of our own made a sacrifice that is over and above that of the rest of us," said Gen. Hostage. "We are all ready to do so, but Senior Airman Galley was tested mightily while doing his duty and performed as we all would hope we could. It was an honor and privilege to acknowledge his sacrifice."

On Sept. 8, Airman Galley was driving with a four-truck patrol, traveling north on a road south of Baghdad. His vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while in route.

All four of the trucks tires were immediately flattened and the cabin began to fill with smoke. Airman Galley attempted to reach his squad leader, however the radio was no longer working.

He quickly maneuvered the truck out of harm's way, following standard operating procedures, and began to assess the situation.

"Jon is one of those guys who never runs out of questions, since day one of training he always had a "what if" scenario for me, and thank God he did because it paid off," said Tech Sergeant Christopher Hann, 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Detachment 2 Squad Leader. "During the attack he never asked a single question; he just did what he was trained to do. He is an outstanding Airman and I could not be more proud of him."

After briefing the medic from the truck in front of his, he retrieved the combat unlocking tool and attempted to open the passenger doors. He failed to open them.

He then proceeded to open the back door on the driver's side.

After the door was successfully opened, the team interpreter was removed from the truck and taken to safety. Airman Galley then re- entered the smoldering vehicle to remove the harness of the wounded gunner.

Once the gunner was removed, Airman Galley assisted the medic with first aid and transportation of the wounded to a safe vehicle. He continued life saving efforts until arriving at Falcon Troop Medical Clinic.

At the clinic, Airman Galley was assessed and it was discovered that he had also been injured during the attack.

"Senior Airman Galley's actions that day were nothing less than heroic, while injured and under enormous stress he relied on his training and performed better than anyone could have asked," said Senior Master Sergeant Stan Cadell, 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Detachment 2 First Sergeant. "We are proud to have him as a member of our detachment and the Security Forces career field."

Assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base, Airman Galley is on a 365-day deployment and is due to return in February.

Airman 1st Class Steven Dickey, 325th Security Forces Squadron Military Police, was not surprised to hear about the Purple Heart because he said when he arrived to Tyndall, Airman Galley was the first one to step up and be a wingman.

"Galley embodies Air Force professionalism and standards," said Airman 1st Class Steven Dickey, 325th Security Forces Military Police. "I have always respected the way he approaches our career, he is an example of what every Airman should aspire to be."