02/02/2023
This Sunday’s Hero Story…
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Case, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a member of the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron, 18th Air Support Operations Group, in action near western Iraq, from 31 March 2003 to 5 April 2003. During this period, while serving as an Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller for Company B, 3d Ranger Battalion, his company began receiving heavy direct and effective small arms fire, ZPU-23s, rocket propelled grenades, mortar and artillery fire. Though the situation was bleak, and the small force was in danger of being overrun, Sergeant Case reacted quickly. While engaging the enemy with his personal weapon, often within 30 meters of his position, he simultaneously directed air strikes. After three days of continuous firefight, they began receiving heavy and accurate artillery fire, over 300 rounds within eight hours. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Case exposed himself to this unrelenting attack to control close air support while fragments of concrete and shrapnel from the blasts punctured his rucksack and often knocked him to the ground. At one point he controlled fourteen aircraft simultaneously. Refusing to be relieved until the objective was secure, Sergeant Case was responsible for more than 300 enemy casualties and the destruction of 29 tanks, three heavy cargo trucks, nine S-60s, fourteen anti-aircraft pieces, nine 155-millimeter artillery, twenty-two 82-millimeter mortar, six 60-millimeter mortars, eight ammunition caches and ten enemy boats. His situational awareness, skill as a controller, and courage under fire were decisive in the battle and ensured mission success and the safety of 152 Rangers. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Case has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
