Hurlburt air commandos honored

Two of Hurlburt Field's best and brightest young airmen took home some of the Air Force's top honors on Oct. 27 in a ceremony held at Hurlburt Field.

Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez, Jr. received the Air Force Cross for his actions in battle on Oct. 5, 2009.

"The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism... to any person, who while serving with the U.S. Air Force ... distinguishes him or herself by extraordinary heroism in combat," according to a U.S. Air Force statement.

Gutierrez was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions in Herat Province of Afghanistan. His team was attacked by the enemy and though Gutierrez was shot in the chest, he refused to lay down his arms and engaged the Taliban.

For more on this story, see the Nov. 3 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.