SPOKANE, Wash. — More than a dozen Team Fairchild Airmen received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony on March 31st, the base announced Wednesday. It says the awards were for ‘their heroic actions during recent combat operations, including Operation Midnight Hammer’ which took place in Iran in June 2025.
The 18th Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Charles Bolton praised 15 honorees for their “courage, professionalism and an unyielding commitment to the mission and their fellow Airmen.”
Fairchild AFB says ‘the awards recognized the aircrews for their performance while flying complex and dangerous missions in contested airspace. The Airmen were lauded for providing critical refueling that enabled other Air Force assets to continue the fight and return home safely.’
“These historic missions were fraught with peril and required decisive reactions to dynamic operational environments,” said Bolton. “The way they choose to respond, the way they adapt and work together – that’s what we’re highlighting today.”
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism and aerial achievement, while the Bronze Star recognizes heroic or meritorious service in a combat zone. Both are among the nation’s highest military decorations.
“The skill and tenacity displayed by the members here today led directly to the success of the overall operation,” said Bolton. “We thank them for displaying this true grit and dedication.”
While the ceremony focused on the decorated Airmen, Bolton also credited the wider team whose efforts were essential to the mission.
You can view more images from the ceremony here.
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