The 28 Air Force members were honored for their selfless acts during the Sept. 11, attacks on the Pentagon. The medals were given by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper during a ceremony in the Pentagon April 15.

CSAF honors Sept. 11 heroes

by Master Sgt. Rick Burnham
Air Force Print News

04/15/02 - WASHINGTON -- Mammoth cranes moved slowly across the top of the Pentagon April 15, carefully placing construction material into place as the effort to repair the damage of September’s terrorist attacks marched aggressively along.

As the work continued outside the building, Air Force officials were busy inside taking care of more unfinished business -- that of recognizing the Air Force heroes of Sept. 11.

Hundreds of Pentagon workers -- encompassing each of the four uniformed services -- came together to recognize the 28 Air Force men and women who went above and beyond in the face of terrorism. Held in the Pentagon courtyard, the ceremony was hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Jim Finch also participated.

Ten members of the group, including Lt. Gen. Paul Carlton Jr., the Air Force surgeon general, received the Airman’s Medal for their contributions on that fateful day. Another eight received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, while eight others received the Air Force Commendation Medal. One person received the Army Commendation Medal and one other received the Air Force Scroll.

Master Sgt. Noel Sepulveda, who received the Airman’s Medal, also received the Purple Heart for injuries he incurred during the attack.

The awards were presented by Jumper, who spoke briefly of the magnitude of the heroic actions of Sept. 11.

“These are people who ran around the corner of the building and straight into the fire to help those in need,” he said. “They did so because it was the right thing to do, and they did so at the risk of personal injury and death.

“So, as we continue to grieve for the families and friends who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, we’re grateful for the heroism and compassion shown by the men and women we are here to honor today.”

Finch also spoke of mixed emotions: the frustration of being away from the Pentagon at the time of the attack -- he had an appointment and was unable to return and help -- and the pride he felt for those who displayed uncommon valor in the face of evil.

“Teamwork was evident, as service lines blurred, rank disappeared and people simply stepped up to help in any way they could,” he said. Their stories portray courageous rescues, long hours securing the building, assisting with medical care, coordinating recovery teams, ensuring family members knew the status of loved ones and providing information to senior leadership on the situation.

“We are thankful there were many heroes here at the Pentagon,” he said. “To those we honor today, please know you have our deepest admiration and respect for your actions in the face of great danger.”

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Roche, who placed special emphasis on those who serve their country, whether it be military service or of another nature.

“We hold special respect for those who wear uniforms of service -- in fire departments, police squads, the U.S. Air Force,” he said. “These are citizens who serve and put their own lives on the line for others and for the very ideals which shape our nation and make this world a better place in which to live.”

He then spoke directly to the 28 ceremony honorees, seated only a few feet away.

“When you perform above and beyond the call of duty, as you did on Sept.11 of last year, we do well to set you apart and recognize your accomplishments,” he said. “So I join General Jumper, Chief Finch, your families and friends, and all of those gathered here today, to thank you for your service to our great nation.”

The Airmen’s Medal recipients were: Carlton; Lt. Col. Gary W. Holland; Maj. Joseph A. Milner; Chief Master Sgts. Ricky L. Arnold, Paul D. Miller, and John K. Monaccio; Senior Master Sgt. Kevin M. Andrews; Master Sgts. Paul R. Lirette and Sepulveda; and Staff Sgt. Gregory D. Fechner.

The Meritorious Service Medal recipients were: Col. John S. Baxter; Lt. Cols. Janet Deltuva, Maureen E. Massey and Terry P. Kane; Maj. Michael Moore; Chief Master Sgts. Troy J. McIntosh and Robert Walko; and Tech. Sgt. Randall B. Federspill.

Recipients of the Air Force Commendation Medal were: Lt. Col. Matthew D. Swanson; Maj. James G. Cusic and Andrew H. Weaver; Senior Master Sgt. Anthony J. Twitty; Tech. Sgt. Bernard Kimbrough; Staff Sgts. Lisa A. Ducharme and Charles V. Hawkins; and Airman 1st Class Evandra D. Spruell.

Lt. Col. William Mitchell received the Army Commendation Medal.