Washington Air Guardsmen Receives Silver Star

Information Provided by the USAF & the Washington Air National Guard, Photos by SrA Angela Bergesen & Provided by TSgt Kevin Whalen - Posted Feb, 2005

 

 

Technical Sergeant Kevin Whalen, a member of the The 116th Air Support Operations Squadron recently received the first Silver Star awarded to a Washington Guardsman since the Vietnam War.

Major General Frank Scoggins pins the Silver Star medal on TSgt Kevin Whalen

In the Summer of 2003 Washington Air Guardsman Technical Sergeant Kevin Whalen was serving in Afghanistan, supporting Army Special Forces, when his patrol was ambushed and came under heavy enemy fire.

For his gallant actions he was awarded the Silver Star.  Major General Frank Scoggins, Commander of the Washington Air National Guard, awarded the medal during a ceremony in Dec 2004.

The narrative of TSgt Whalen's award reads as follows:

"Technical Sergeant Kevin G. Whalen distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States at an undisclosed location on 19 July 2003.

On that date, Sergeant Whalen, while serving in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and attached to the Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 344, was involved in a sustained fire fight with Taliban and Al Qaeda forces.

Sergeant Whalen was part of a combat patrol in the Gayan Valley. The lead vehicle, comprised of Afghan Military Forces, was struck by extremely accurate small arms fire, critically wounding one soldier and forcing the convoy to stall in the kill zone.

 Silver Star

The Silver Star

The Silver Star is the Air Forces third highest medal for gallantry, and is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Air Force, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. Established by an Act of Congress in 1918, the Silver Star follows in precedence, the Medal of Honor, and the Air Force Cross.

Sergeant Whalen immediately returned effective fire with the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher. With total disregard for his own safety and while exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Whalen elected to remain on the weapon system to allow his team members and the Afghan Military Forces to secure covered positions.
TSgt Whalen shown seated atop his vehicle in Afghanistan

Although receiving effective fire from three directions, Sergeant Whalen continued to engage enemy positions until his weapon malfunctioned due to 6 direct hits.

While restoring his weapon, Sergeant Whalen received small arms fire in the left arm and was hit in the abdomen just below his protective body armor plate.

Sergeant Whalen dropped through the turret and crawled out of the driver's door of the vehicle where he began self-aid. While attempting to stop his own bleeding he recovered his radio and requested immediate Close Air Support.

Sergeant Whalen received two Marine Corps Harriers to aid in the team's defense. However, the Afghan Military Forces had now reached the attackers and were now in extremely close proximity.

To ensure the safety of friendly forces, Sergeant Whalen immediately began talking the pilots on to coalition positions.

 Marine Corps Harrier jump-jet

Although wounded and fighting off the effects of oncoming shock, Sergeant Whalen retained the presence of mind to restrict the Harriers to guns only while engaging fortified enemy positions along the ridgeline halting enemy actions.

Through his selfless actions the team was able to recover the disabled vehicle and exit the kill zone.  Sergeant Whalen insisted that the other wounded soldiers be evacuated first and retained control of supporting aircraft until he received a medical evacuation himself.
Major General Frank Scoggins (left) presented the Silver Star medal to TSgt Kevin Whalen (right)

Displaying tenacity, he refused to stay in the hospital and returned to his team 48 hours later to continue combat missions.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Whalen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

TSgt Whalen also received the Purple Heart in recognition of the wounds he received during this action.

TSgt Whalen is assigned to the Washington Guards 116th Air Support Operations Squadron at Camp Murray.  He is a member of an elite team of highly trained professionals known as Tactical Air Control Party - or TACP.  These Airmen are responsible for providing the close coordination between Army and Air Force units required to make the air-land battle happen.  All are experts in small arms, map reading, land navigation, field crafts and survival techniques.  When deployed, they operate alongside Army ground forces in forward areas.  Click here to learn more about TACP & the 116th ASOS.