JTAC Airmen earn Bronze stars for heroism Published Feb. 2, 2007 By Tyler Hemstreet 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Staff Sgts. Trevor Bradford and Matthew Muse, both joint terminal attack controllers from the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron, were awarded the Bronze Star Medal Jan. 25 at Fort Lewis. During the ceremony, Col. Eric Schnitzer, 1st Air Support Operations Group commander, presented the medals to Sergeants Bradford and Muse for their bravery and heroism while serving in Iraq. In 2003, Sergeant Bradford, then a senior airman, was deployed to the 15th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron to support an Army cavalry regiment. Though Sergeant Bradford was under intense direct and indirect enemy fire for more than three days, he defended his turret and continuously coordinated air support. His quick response saved the lives of his Army cavalry troopers and destroyed 10 enemy tanks and numerous artillery and armored vehicles. The battle in which he earned the Bronze Star was memorable, said Sergeant Bradford. During one of the fire fights with the enemy, a bullet hit the side of his turret. Moments later, a rocket propelled grenade whizzed by his head, Sergeant Bradford said. "That really scared me," he said. Although the details surrounding the situation stand out in his mind, Sergeant Bradford said he was just doing his duty. "We're used to being in ambushes -- it was a run of the mill thing," he said. "Even though it's nearly four years after the fact, it's still nice to get honored." Sergeant Muse performed various missions with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Iraq in 2006. While exposed to well-armed and unpredictable enemies, Sergeant Muse coordinated close air support and provided real time intelligence to establish secure drop zones and helicopter landing zones. His knowledge of air power and accurate surveys led to life-saving reconnaissance as well as the capture of 11 high-value individuals, other suspected insurgents and their weapons and explosive supplies. Sergeant Muse took great pride in the fact he was able to contribute to each CJSTOF mission he was a part of. Intense planning and the detailed layout of each mission had to be relayed to the accompanying air cover. "It kept us safe and the team safe," Sergeant Muse said of the air support he provided. "Nobody could drive up behind us and ambush us." Whether it was coordinating air cover with an AC-130 Gunship or setting up a drop zone to receive extra ammunition for this unit, Sergeant Muse said the common goal was always the same. "We make sure everyone comes home and there are no friendly fire casualties," he said. The Bronze Star Medal is one of the top 10 medals the Air Force awards to Airmen who distinguish themselves heroically or meritoriously. "I couldn't be more proud of these two brave Airmen. Their determination and commitment saved a number of lives," said Lt. Col. Thomas Woods, 5th ASOS commander. "They got the job done [during] extreme life-or-death situations and have proven to be well-deserving of these medals."