An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

McConnell Airmen's actions in Iraq earn him Bronze Star

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Second Lt. Jack D. McGonegal, 23, 22nd Security Forces Squadron, was awarded a Bronze Star medal, Nov. 29, during a ceremony here for his leadership actions while deployed.

While on deployment from November 2006 through August 2007, at Camp Bucca, Iraq with the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, the young officer  was dual-hatted serving as deputy commander, on a Quick Reaction Force and as a theater internment facility operations commander at the largest holding facility in Iraq housing more than 18,000 detainees.

"He performed and accomplished his mission far beyond my expectations of a second lieutenant," said Lt. Col. Paul Scholl, 50th Mission Support Group vice commander, Scriever Air Force Base Colo., who was deployed with Lieutenant McGonegal, as commander of the 886th ESFS. "Lieutenant's focus was on mission accomplishment and taking care of his Airmen in a difficult environment."

As deputy commander of a QRF, Lieutenant McGonegal led a team that is poised to respond to reconnaissance and security instances with very short notice, sometimes requiring response in minutes.

"Some of the responses went pretty quick," said Lieutenant McGonegal. "A couple thousand detainees rioting was probably one of the most extreme experiences."

Being directly responsible for the safety of more than 1,200 security personnel, he was responsible for making sure servicemembers under his command were equipped with their protective gear, gas masks and weapons systems to keep them ready for any uproar in the facility.

He led his forces in 10 large-scale disturbances during his deployment.

"During one major riot, detainees lit 14 to18 compound buildings on fire," Lieutenant McGonegal said.

Throughout the riot, visibility was low from fire smoke and the employment of CS tear gas. Nonetheless, the lieutenant was able to detect and contain corruptive activity among the detainees.

He caught sight of one detainee who was making a run to escape over a fence.

Before the detainee could reach a main area where military forces were staged for entry, Lieutenant McGonegal apprehended the detainee from the fence to prevent further misconduct.

Also, as compound commander, Lieutenant McGonegal was responsible for the daily operations of feeding, discipline and medical treatment of more than 600 detainees.

"Lieutenant McGonegal performed his mission to a level in which the International Red Cross commended Camp Bucca for its humane treatment," said Colonel Scholl.

He also carried his leadership through the theater facility search program, where he led teams to more than 30 compound search operations, finding more than 500 manufactured weapons and items of contraband.

"He is a very hard worker who showed maturity and professionalism," said Maj. Phillip Born, 316th SFS operations officer, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., assigned as operations officer of the 886th ESFS during the lieutenant's deployment.

"What I received from my deployment is good trust in the non-commissioned officers and senior NCO's whom I had the opportunity to work alongside," said Lieutenant McGonegal. "Some have been in service for as many years as I am old, and I trust and appreciate their instincts and judgment."

"I was surprised to find out about this award," he said. "I think about the people I worked alongside everyday while deployed. We had an incredible group of people under that command who all worked well together."