SSgt Dale C. Young

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM - SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA - AFGHANISTAN

STAFF SERGEANT DALE C. YOUNG

Staff Sergeant Dale C. Young distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States near Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 19 May 2009 to 23 May 2009.

During that period, Sergeant Young served as the primary Combat Control Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to an Army Special Forces Team. While conducting operation SIEGE ENGINE, Sergeant Young's element came under immediate and continuous enemy fire from the moment of infiltration and continued for the next 94 hours.

Taliban insurgents maintained stiff resistance from as close at 150 meters from Sergeant Young's position. During the fighting, the enemy effectively utilized direct small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and 107 millimeter rockets. Sergeant Young assumed great risk as he controlled up to 11 coalition aircraft and ensured safe and effective fires were placed on the enemy positions, while he simultaneously mitigated collateral damage. In fact, on numerous occasions enemy small arms and rocket fire impacted within ten meters of Sergeant Young's position.

Sergeant Young's calm demeanor under fire, leadership in the face of great danger and ability to simultaneously conduct precision attacks utilizing all forms of coalition aircraft in the chaotic environment, undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous personnel and ensured the destruction of a black tar opium cache valued at more than one billion dollars.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Young has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.