741st MSFS Airman awarded AF Combat Action Medal

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Korry Leverett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  An Airman from the 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron received the Air Force Combat Action Medal Aug. 6 for his efforts in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2006 to November 2007. 

Staff Sgt. Michael Rodden, who volunteered for a 365-day deployment to Iraq, along with 14 other 341st Security Forces Group members, was assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Detachment 3, Squad 2-1, Wildcard's, as a member of a police transition team in downtown Baghdad. Their mission was to train Iraqi police and assist in their day-to-day operations. 

"Our team provided guidance and training to several police stations throughout Baghdad," said Sergeant Rodden. "Once we arrived at the police station, our first priority was to speak with the local police chief and determine what the needs were that day. We also ensured the guard towers were adequately manned, and conducted foot and vehicle patrol. It was quite an experience because this was the first time the Iraqi's conducted any sort of a community policing." 

On April 25, 2007, Sergeant Rodden was performing duties as a truck commander on the third vehicle in a four vehicle convoy in southern Baghdad. His convoy was en route to an Iraqi police station when the vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. 

"We were traveling down the road when we our vehicle was struck by an explosively
formed projectile, engulfing it in flames," Sergeant Rodden said. "The explosion rocked the doors on the HUMVEE shut and it took several seconds before we could escape." 

Exiting the vehicle, Sergeant Rodden's pants were on fire, something he didn't realize until after he met up with his turret gunner. Immediately the two began to clear the area around the vehicle in anticipation of small arms fire. 

In the aftermath, the flight sergeant in the 741st MSFS said that he's glad the Air Force has a way to recognize those who are putting their lives on the line each day, but more importantly he's glad to be alive. 

"Staff Sgt. Rodden's actions in Iraq exemplify who he is and epitomize our SF [security forces] defenders commitment to excellence in all we do. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude for his service, his dedication and his sacrifice," said Maj. Warren Brainard, 741st MSFS commander. "The 741st MSFS is proud and lucky to have a person of his competence and dedication leading some of our wing's youngest warriors." 

Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, presented Sergeant Rodden his Air Force Combat Action Medal in front of his family, co-workers and peers to start a commander's call. 

Airmen are eligible for the Air Force Combat Action Medal if their primary role includes performing duties in a combat zone, either on the ground or from the air, by entering into an unsecured area away from an established installation. While performing their duties, they must have come under fire or fire upon an enemy to qualify. 

A combat zone is defined as a geographic area for which an Airman receives imminent danger/hostile fire pay. 

The medal is designed to evoke Air Force heritage, scarlet with diagonal yellow stripes - adapted from the art insignia on the aircraft of Gen. Billy Mitchell, who coordinated the first air-to-ground offensive in history. Moreover, the AFCAM features an eagle grasping arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. The arrows signify preparedness for war while the olive branch represents a goal of peace, according to official Air Force wear guidance.