For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against enemy forces while serving as Senior Air Director, Marine Air Support Squadron 3, in support of Operation EPIC FURY from 22 April 2026 to 30 June 2026. First Lieutenant Halstead was instrumental in establishing a Tactical Air Control Element FOR THE THEATER, enabling it to assume responsibility for airspace surveillance AND CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT within critical air defense sectors. Operating under persistent threat of enemy ballistic missile and one-way attack unmanned aircraft system attacks during a high-priority operation, he expertly coordinated air defense assets across a complex joint battlespace, ensuring sufficient airborne sensor and weapons coverage over the battlespace for the defense of a Surface Action Group operating in contested KEY MARITIME TERRAIN. He directly contributed to the successful engagement of multiple enemy aerial threats, protecting an untold number of U.S. service members in the theater. By his exceptional professionalism, dynamic direction, and unwavering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Halstead reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

(U) Summary of Action:

During the period 22 April 2026 through 30 June 2026, First Lieutenant William A. Halstead distinguished himself by meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against enemy forces while serving as Senior Air Director, Marine Air Support Squadron 3, in support of Operation EPIC FURY.

Upon arrival in theater, First Lieutenant Halstead immediately assumed duties as the day crew Senior Air Director during a critical period of combat preparation and operational buildup. As one of the detachment's senior tactical command and control leaders, he directed the efforts of 15 operators and helped establish the Tactical Air Control Element (TACE), callsign GREENHAND, as a fully mission-capable command and control agency. He developed and implemented tactics, techniques, and procedures, standing operating procedures, and crew battle drills that standardized operations across more than 30 Marines. Anticipating renewed enemy attacks, he ensured his Marines thoroughly understood preplanned responses to incoming fires and rehearsed casualty evacuation procedures, significantly improving crew survivability and mission continuity under combat conditions.

First Lieutenant Halstead received Combat and Imminent Danger Pay during the award period. Operating under persistent threat from ballistic missiles and one-way attack unmanned aircraft systems (OWAUAS), First Lieutenant Halstead played a critical role in enabling GREENHAND assumption of tactical command and control responsibilities within Air Defense Sectors 3 and 4. He led coordination efforts that allowed GREENHAND to conduct airspace surveillance, aircraft control, threat identification, and airspace management for the first time in theater, expanding the Joint Force's ability to detect, track, and respond to enemy air threats.

In early May, First Lieutenant Halstead directly supported a high-priority maritime operation directed by the highest levels of command. With less than 24 hours notice, GREENHAND was tasked to provide backup control of surface combat air patrol (SuCAP) operations supporting a Surface Action Group (SAG), consisting of multiple naval combatant vessels, operating in contested key maritime terrain. Throughout an intense eight-hour combat engagement, First Lieutenant Halstead assumed command and control responsibility after the primary controller suffered a mechanical failure and managed congested airspace, coordinated fighter and tanker employment, and synchronized actions among naval forces, adjacent command and control agencies, joint tactical air controllers, and host-nation air defense partners. His efforts ensured uninterrupted command and control of friendly aircraft while maintaining safe deconfliction from surface fires and other airborne assets.

As enemy forces actively sought to locate and attack the Surface Action Group, First Lieutenant Halstead continuously adjusted fighter coverage and tanker support plans to mitigate mission cancellations and fuel constraints, preserving airborne sensor and weapons coverage over the battlespace. His dynamic management of SuCAP assets ensured the Joint Force maintained the ability to detect, identify, and engage inbound threats throughout the operation.

During the engagement, GREENHAND experienced a critical degradation of its TPS-80 radar capability. Despite the loss of a primary sensor during active combat operations, First Lieutenant Halstead maintained situational awareness across multiple communications networks and coordinated the rapid dissemination of threat information throughout the battlespace. His decisive actions minimized operational impacts from the systems degradation and enabled continued defensive operations against enemy threats. He further coordinated fighter aircraft actions that contributed to the positive identification and successful engagement of multiple OWAUAS and cruise missile threats, directly enabling the defense of the Surface Action Group and the protection of over 900 sailors.

Throughout the engagement, First Lieutenant Halstead maintained exceptional situational awareness while simultaneously monitoring radar tracks, tactical chat networks, and multiple radios. His ability to rapidly process and disseminate critical information ensured commanders, tactical units, and fighters received timely and accurate threat reporting, enabling informed decisions and effective defensive actions during periods of extreme operational tempo. On multiple occasions during the mission, First Lieutenant Halstead received indications and warnings of inbound enemy attacks and executed rehearsed defensive procedures to get his crew into protective bunkers while under significant risk of hostile action. His leadership enabled the force protection, rapid accountability, and reconstitution of his crew following incoming missile threats, minimizing interruption of command and control support to ongoing combat operations.

For the remainder of the deployment, First Lieutenant Halstead served as the day crew Senior Air Director and oversaw the command and control of hundreds of sorties supporting SuCAP operations. His leadership, tactical expertise, and steadfast performance directly contributed to the successful defense of friendly forces and the engagement of numerous enemy aerial threats.

By his exceptional professionalism, dynamic direction, and unwavering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Halstead reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He is highly recommended for the award of the Bronze Star.

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Chief Master Sergeant Fred R. Knox distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing force as Senior Enlisted Leader, 157th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, 157th Fighter Wing, Undisclosed Location. During this period, in support of Operation EPIC FURY while personally exposed to hostile Iranian attacks consisting of over 470, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones, Sergeant Knox's life was exposed to imminent danger through 155 alarm red conditions and the kinetic intercepts of TBM, CM, and UAS threats, culminating in 28 direct impacts throughout the immediate work area and across the base. Additionally Chief Knox performed his duties with complete disregard to personal safety under extreme time constraints and direct overhead missile interceptions. Through quick thinking he authorized and spearheaded quick-turn fueling and reloading of munitions on multiple aircraft enabling the immediate return of vital mission-critical aircraft to combat operations. His efforts directly supported the successful search and rescue of a downed allied aviator who was isolated deep behind enemy lines. Furthermore, his steadfast leadership was instrumental in the overwhelming demand for constant aircraft and munitions configuration changes and the first-ever combat employment of the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles by the Air National Guard. Moreover, Sergeant Knox was unwilling to send Airmen into harm's way alone during alarm red conditions when he joined the 335th F-15 hot pit crew exiting a bunker to complete critical refueling operations during an inbound missile threat. He provided real time intercept updates and critical overwatch, safeguarding the team while they conducted aircraft refueling operations and executed launch to survive requirements. Finally, Sergeant Knox led XX maintainers through XX maintenance actions, his tireless efforts were pivotal to the Wing's execution of 3,257 combat sorties, the combat employment of 5,722 Guided Bomb Units, 696 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems, 347 Standoff Missiles, and 129,921 rounds of heavy aircraft ammunition, and the successful engagement of over 13,000 vital enemy targets. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Knox in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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For meritorious achievement in connection with operations involving conflict with an enemy force as Commanding Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron NINE SEVEN (VFA-97) from February 2025 to May 2026. Commander Jennings's brilliant leadership delivered the highest levels of lethality and survivability for VFA-97 during an extended nine-month deployment onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), conducting SEVENTH Fleet deterrence operations and FIFTH Fleet combat operations in support of Operation ROUGH RIDER. He expertly guided the squadron in the execution of 302 combat sorties while defending Carrier Strike Group ONE, coalition assets, and merchant shipping from Houthi aggression in the Gulf of Aden, as well as execution of 63 strike missions and successful employment of 116,500 pounds of precision-guided munitions. Additionally, he skillfully overcame maintenance and logistics challenges to achieve an impressive 78 percent mission capable rate for 14 F-35C Lightning II aircraft, enabling the first combat deployment of a Navy F-35 squadron. Furthermore, his focus on Sailor development resulted in 45 advancements, 41 reenlistments, and 55 Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialists. Commander Jennings's bold leadership, wise judgment, and unwavering dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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CITATION
FOR THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL WITH "V" DEVICE

Sergeant Miguel L. Morales, United States Marine Corps

FOR SERVICE AS SET FORTH BELOW:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Fire Team Leader, Marine Special Operations Command, Fox Company, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve on January 29th, 2016.

Demonstrating exceptional courage and tactical skill, Sergeant Morales maneuvered across open terrain under intense enemy fire to establish more effective satellite communications and to gain a superior vantage point to observe enemy maneuvers. With unwavering composure, he successfully coordinated multiple rotary-wing close air support missions, directing rockets, gunfire, and a precision Hellfire missile strike that significantly disrupted and destroyed enemy positions.

Despite being wounded by grenade shrapnel on two separate occasions, Sergeant Morales refused to withdraw from the fight. Displaying remarkable resilience and resolve, he continued to engage the enemy in close combat with his M4 weapon system. His selfless actions directly resulted in the elimination of the enemy force, safeguarded his Fire Team, and contributed to mission success.

By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Morales reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Given under my hand this 21st day of November 2024