TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AMCNS) -- During a special ceremony Dec. 2, Special Agent Robert Fearing, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 303, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement while deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Lt. Col. Stanley Robinson, AFOSI Det. 303 commander, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by Col. Timothy Zadalis, 60th Air Mobility Wing acting commander; Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillion, 60th AMW command chief; and members of Special Agent Fearing’s family.
The Bronze Star is awarded to individuals for acts of heroism performed in ground combat or for single acts of merit and meritorious service.
Agent Fearing was awarded the Bronze Star for combat counter intelligence operations while stationed at Balad Air Base, Iraq. During his deployment, he identified 127 enemy insurgents and 17 separate terrorist cells operating in the vicinity of the air base.
His efforts also resulted in the capture of 50 enemy insurgents, including one high-priority terrorist leader. In addition, he identified and assisted in the capture of 15 terrorists who were targeting logistical convoy lines, and helped increase safe passage for construction vehicles to the base from 25 to more than 700 per day.
“It's a special day for the Air Force and for OSI to be able to count one of our Air Force members, one of our agents, as a Bronze Star recipient. It was a privilege and an honor to preside over this ceremony,” said Colonel Robinson. “Special Agent Fearing is a shining example of how one Air Force member, at the heart of a small team forward deployed to Iraq, works to defend and sustain our air bases there. His actions are also a direct example of some of the things AFOSI brings to the fight to defend our nation in the Global War on Terrorism.”
After receiving his medal, Agent Fearing, an 18-year veteran, thanked his family and co-workers for all their support.
“The honor bestowed on me today is a result of the teamwork of all the agents that I've worked with,” said Agent Fearing.