Technical Sergeant Zachary J. Beyer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force as a Combat Controller at Iraq from 8 March 2020 to 9 March 2020. 

During combat operations against a determined enemy, Sergeant Beyer's actions directly led to the successful recovery of two United States Special Operations Forces personnel, isolated in exposed terrain directly in front of an enemy fighting position: During the recovery of the first wounded United States Special Operations Forces member, Sergeant Beyer exposed himself to the enemy position, moving directly in line with the enemy fields of fire to pull a United States service member to cover. 

During the recovery of the second wounded United States Special Operations Forces member, Sergeant Beyer exposed himself to a barricaded enemy position, fields of fire, and in proximity to an enemy combatant as he detonated a suicide vest. The blast from the suicide vest threw members of his team from the ledge and nearly 20 feet down the ravine. 

Without regard for personal safety, Sergeant Beyer continued to expose himself to the barricaded enemy position to extract the second United States Special Operations Forces member from the enemy kill zone. 

Despite enemy actions and sustaining two additional friendly casualties, he and his team recovered all United States Special Operations Forces personnel. Finally, Sergeant Beyer established the plan and controlled the hoist extraction of all casualties within meters of the enemy position. 

Through his actions, Sergeant Beyer prevented further United States and coalition casualties and demonstrated absolute heroism and valor. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Beyer has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Citation sourced: 352d SWTS