Kadena EOD Airmen awarded Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarvie Z. Wallace
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Two members of the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight were awarded the Bronze Star Medal Jan. 9.

Master Sgt. James Jones, non-commissioned officer in charge of EOD operations, and Tech. Sgt. John Johnson, an EOD craftsman, were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom last year.

Jones filled the crucial role of non-commissioned officer in charge, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations support, for the 26-man 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Operating Location Charlie. He led operational support for six EOD teams in five locations protecting the U.S. Marine Corps' 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and the United Kingdom's counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) division.

According to his citation, Jones' actions ensured the execution of 278 counter IED operations and the clearance of 73 IEDs across Regional Command Southwest. Additionally, his aggressive foresight ensured mission capability amid constant mission change. His skillful execution of logistical movements totaling 137 tons in vehicles and equipment valued at $24 million allowed the seamless transfer of authority and declaration of Operating Location Charlie's mission complete.

"My personal position was an operational sergeant for reporting and working with the teams to make sure they had all the logistical support to do their mission and pushed information down to them from leadership," said Jones, a 23 year veteran with multiple deployments under his belt, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Jones said he was honored to receive the Bronze Star especially since his family had a history of distinguished service.

"My family is all military, all the way back to my grandfather," said Jones. "He was in [the Army] during World War II. He basically walked all the way through the different battles [from D-Day Plus 3 to the Battle of the Bulge] before he received his fourth Purple Heart."

Jones said his grandfather would be proud of him for being awarded this medal.

Sergeant Johnson provided direct support to the Marine Corp's Second Combat Support Battalion in Regional Command Southwest. He led over 100 route clearance missions, cleared 1.8 thousand miles of critical supply routes, and defeated 24 improvised explosive devices.

According to his citation, his superb leadership and technical expertise were heavily tested during a nine-day, 120 mile route clearance patrol mission. His audacious actions led to the disposal of six IED devices containing a combined 250 pounds of explosives. His actions facilitated the safe recovery of personnel, retrieval and damaged assets, and mission continuation.

Receiving the Bronze Star was a bittersweet moment for Johnson, who reflected on some difficult moments of his career.

"I have lost many friends over the years from all branches of the service during these wars. During this particular deployment, I lost one friend and soon after returning, the team (three EOD members) that I trained to replace me was killed in an IED strike. We in EOD have a good support system. We get together and talk about the good things and times we had with the folks that we have lost. I also have my family that understands what we do and they are there for me when I need them," said Johnson.

"Here at the flight we are proud of our two Airmen and this represents years of hard work and dedication to the Air Force," said Capt. Kelly Mattie, 18th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight commander. "As a senior NCO in the EOD career field Master Sgt. Jones was instrumental in keeping his EOD company focused and motivated during an arduous deployment supporting the Marines. As one of our EOD team leaders, Tech. Sgt. Johnson's decoration represents not only his achievements, but those of his entire team. He truly represents an incredible combat leader by bringing home all of his team unharmed in such a hostile environment."

The Bronze Star Medal recognizes acts of heroism, single acts of merit, or meritorious service.