4th SOS aircraft commander wins AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. William Banton
  • 1 Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  An AC-130U pilot from Hurlburt Field was recently selected to receive an Air Force-level award for valor.

Maj. Matthew Astroth, assistant operations officer and an AC-130U aircraft commander with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, was selected to be the recipient of the Aviator Valor Award for 2010, which he will receive this May.

The award, which is sponsored by the American Legion's Aviators' Post #743, is awarded to a rated Air Force officer for an act of valor or courage performed during aerial flight.

"The feeling is bittersweet," Major Astroth said. "I am honored to have the support of my crew, unit and leadership to represent [Air Force Special Operations Command] for such a prestigious award. At the same time, the events of that night remain very fresh in my memory. It is tough when everyone doesn't make it home."

According to the award citation, Major Astroth played a pivotal role commanding his crew through a one-hour fire fight while helping clear a hot emergency helicopter landing zone for a critical casualty evacuation. By providing continuous aerial artillery fires, Major Astroth contributed to the safe extraction of 73 special operations personnel on three MH-47 helicopters.

"Any mention of the events from that night would be remiss without mentioning Chief Petty Officer Adam Brown," Major Astroth said. Chief Brown, a Navy SEAL, succumbed to injuries he received while on combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Every member of my crew will carry his name with us for the rest of our lives," said Major Astroth. "His family always remains in our thoughts and prayers."

Major Astroth also said that without the professionalism and cohesiveness of his crew, the safe return of many men to their families wouldn't have been possible.

"A great honor and tribute is bestowed not only to Major Astroth, but also to his entire crew," said Lt. Col. Patrick Clowney, commander of the 4th SOS. "The crew's efforts that night beckon to the very best of the Air Commando tradition - commitment, discipline, loyalty and courage. His leadership and the crew's dedication to duty are examples for us all to follow."