Sheppard Airmen receive Combat Action Medal

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two Sheppard Airmen are among the first to be awarded the new Combat Action Medal recognizing Airmen who have risked their lives while engaging the enemy in direct combat.

Maj. Larry Harris, 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight chief, and Senior Airman Shawn Ryan, 82nd Security Forces Squadron received the Combat Action Medal Nov. 29 from Air Education and Training Commander Gen. William R. Looney III.

"We ask much more of our Airmen today and much more is given by Airmen today," General Looney said at the presentation.

While on cordon duty during a 365-day tour with the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Camp Victory, Iraq, Airman Ryan engaged and stopped a potential vehicle-based explosive speeding towards his perimeter. Airman Ryan's actions prevented the vehicle from reaching the perimeter and helped avoid loss of life.

Later, while acting as a turret gunner, Airman Ryan's convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. Airman Ryan suffered serious injuries to his neck and shoulder, but immediately regained his composure and manned his weapon to repel any further attacks. Once safe, Airman Ryan provided self-aid buddy care to his comrades. Airman Ryan also received the Purple Heart for this encounter.

"I feel honored of course. Major Harris and I represent the future of the Air Force and what's going to come," Airman Ryan said. "The Air Force as a whole is deploying a lot. We're there to do whatever mission is there in front of us and we're going to do it."

During his assignment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Iraq, Major Harris said he led numerous convoys without losing a single life. While returning from a mission, his convoy was engaged by enemy forces, including an improvised explosive device which hit Major Harris' vehicle.

"Personally, I hope no one else ever gets a (Combat Action Medal), not because I'm selfish, but because I don't want (other) people to see what I've seen," Major Harris said.

The Combat Action Medal is for Airmen who have been fired upon, returned fire and have acted in a valiant manner - this is an award that truly is for warrior Airmen.

Any Airman who feels he or she may be eligible may apply; award eligibility is retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001.

(Information from a story on www.af.mil was used in writing this article).