Tyndall's Heroes: An Airman diffuses a dangerous situation

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Amanda Ferrell
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Military excellence and bravery is a characteristic of outstanding individuals. But for Staff Sgt. Jonathan Morrison, an explosive ordnance disposal craftsman, you could say honorable service runs in the family. 

Sergeant Morrison served as an EOD craftsman at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq during operation IRAQI FREEDOM from March to August 2006. 

During this period, Sergeant Morrison excelled as an EOD Team Leader at Forward Operating Bases Warrior and McHenry. As an EOD Team Leader, the sergeant participated in more than 150 combat missions under the threat of insurgent attacks. 

His daily tasks of identifying, rendering-safe and destroying improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance put him in constant danger. 

While supporting the 1st Brigade Combat Team, he rendered safe and destroyed 45 IEDs strategically placed along critical Supply Routes allowing safe and secure movement for all multinational supply and relief convoys. 

Sergeant Morrison's exceptional leadership was evident during an indirect fire attack against the Joint Coordination Center in the extremely hostile city of Hawija. Aware of the continued threat to the collation structure, Sergeant Morrison identified the donkey cart that had been modified into an improvised rocket launcher. During reconnaissance of the item, he also identified a secondary remote controlled IED hidden underneath the cart. With one rocket still in the tube pointed at the JCC, Sergeant Morrison quickly deployed an EOD robot to place a disruption charge, which destroyed the cart and prevented further damage. 

On another occasion, Sergeant Morrison responded to complicated IED attack on another major convoy route. A combat patrol reported an IED along a road next to one of their Up-Armored HMMWVs. The HMMWV had experienced mechanical problems and broken down. 

Despite being constrained by the dangerous location of the vehicle, Sergeant Morrison was able to use a small water bottle charge to disrupt the IED, gather the components for valuable intelligence, all while not damaging the HMMWV. 

On May 10, 2007, Staff Sgt. Morrison was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service while deployed. Earning the Bronze Star propagated a standing family tradition for the brave sergeant. 

The sergeant's mother, Major Cynthia Camp, an Air Force Reserve officer, also received the Bronze Star decoration for her service as an aeromedical evacuation officer during the Gulf War. 

But the heritage of meritorious service extends a generation farther for Sergeant Morrison. His late grandfather, a military veteran, also received the honor for his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II. 

During the emotional award ceremony, Sergeant Morrison's mother presented him his decoration, along with her medal and the medal received by his grandfather. 

Military courage and excellence was displayed by Sergeant Morrison during his call to duty, and the recognition for his service ties him close to his family through the bond of the Bronze Star Medal.


Do you have a story to share about your experiences while deployed? If so, please contact the Public Affairs office at 283-4500 to share your story with fellow Airmen.