Airman receives Bronze Star Medal

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  A Tyndall Airman was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in a ceremony here July 11. 

Master Sgt. Michael Fowler, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, received the medal for meritorious achievement during his time in Afghanistan, May 11 to Nov. 2, 2007. 

"I am humbled and honored to receive this award," said Sergeant Fowler. "The only reason I was awarded the medal was cause of the hard work and dedication from my team to go above our mission scope." 

The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service. It is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the United States military, distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against a US enemy or engaged in operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. 

Lt. Col. Sue Grumbach, 325th CES commander, presented Sergeant Fowler with the award during the ceremony. 

"On behalf of the US Air Force, I congratulate your courage and heroism," said Colonel Grumbach. "I am honored and privileged to be able to present this award." 

Sergeant Fowler was cited for displaying exemplary leadership, personal endeavor and devotion to duty for saving the lives of four Afghan soldiers from a National Army vehicle that drove off a 100-foot cliff near a high threat zone. 

"We thank you deeply for what you've done, saving lives of 4 Afghan soldiers," said Colonel Grumbach. 

In addition, Sergeant Fowler secured six improvised explosive devise encounters resulting in zero mishaps and conducted 25 maintenance wash downs, keeping more than 32 million dollars worth of combat assets mission ready. He was also recognized for conducting 380 C-130 combat standby sortie alert missions totaling 525 incident-free hours. 

"His training, experience and expertise all paid off at this critical time," said Col. Darryl Roberson, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "Well done."