![\"tac](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/tac-air-e1554431239533.jpg\")
\nA tactical air control party airman assigned to 75th Ranger Regiment, like those pictured above in Afghanistan, will receive the Silver Star for his actions during a night raid last year. (Army)<\/p>\n
\nA tactical air control party airman assigned to 75th Ranger Regiment, like those pictured above in Afghanistan, will receive the Silver Star for his actions during a night raid last year. (Army)<\/p>\n
Tech. Sgt. Cam Kelsch will be awarded both the Silver Star medal, and a Bronze Star with a V for valor, for two separate actions in Afghanistan. The ceremony will take place 9 April at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, in Pooler, Georgia. Kelsch is being recognized for his actions during a 25 April 2018 night raid against a high value target in Afghanistan. <\/p>\n
During Kelsch\u2019s mission, the TACP exposed himself to enemy fire in order to call in close-air support from an AC-130 gunship using 40mm air-to-ground munitions roughly 35 meters from his position.<\/p>\n
\u201cMinutes later and without regard for personal safety, Sergeant Kelsch willingly exposed himself to effective enemy fire again, by closing with the enemy in order to adjust fire and save the life of a wounded American team-mate by dragging him to safety under fire,\u201d the Silver Star citation, provided to Air Force Times, reads.<\/p>\n
Kelsch was hit by enemy fire. He then readjusted the AC-130 targeting and eliminated a heavy machine gun nest 70 meters away using 105mm rounds.<\/p>\n
He maintained the flow of air-to-ground fires on the enemy positions while the friendly assault force fell back and regained composure. Kelsch was able to then identify the enemy defensive fighting position using intelligence aircraft overhead.<\/p>\n
With a wounded American and Afghan commando on hand, the assault force prepped for exfiltration. Meanwhile, Kelsch ordered one last airstrike onto the enemy position with two F-16 Fighting Falcons using precision-guided 500 pound bombs and 105mm rounds from the AC-130.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Kelsch will also receive the Bronze Star with Valor for a separate incident.<\/p>\n
While serving with an interagency enabling team for a joint task force in Afghanistan, Kelsch placed himself between an enemy position and his ground force commander, who had been wounded during a near ambush.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile still being engaged by enemy personnel in immediate proximity, Sergeant Kelsch eliminated the threat and allowed his ground force commander to regain his bearing,\u201d the Bronze Star citation reads.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nTech Sgt. Cam Kelsch<\/p>\n“… using 105mm rounds.” That’ll shut ’em down. Bravo Zulu, Tech. Sgt. Kelsch- damned well done! The entire article may be viewed here: Air Force Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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