Air Force Airmen Honored for Valor in Combat

On November 12, the U.S. Air Force recognized 30 airmen from the 494th Fighter Squadron and 494th Fighter Generation Squadron for their heroic actions during the largest air-to-air enemy engagement in over 50 years, which occurred during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel from April 13-14, 2024. Among the honorees, Capt. Lacie Hester became the first female Air Force member to receive the Silver Star, awarded alongside her pilot, Maj. Benjamin Coffey, for shooting down over 80 drones and missiles. The operation involved 66 airmen who successfully repelled more than 300 aerial threats, earning multiple awards, including six Distinguished Flying Crosses with valor and two Bronze Stars. President Joe Biden praised the team for their exceptional skill during a direct call. Despite facing technical malfunctions and overwhelming enemy numbers, the airmen executed their mission with remarkable effectiveness. The event highlighted ongoing discussions about women's roles in combat, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding military gender integration.