MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (8 September 2018)—The 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here, paid homage to fallen Airman, Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, the first Airman to receive a Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
“We wanted to honor TSgt. Chapman for his selfless sacrifice to our country and his Brothers in Arms,” said Palmisano. “Understanding the heroic and selfless acts he did that day on Takur Ghar will inspire us all for the rest of our lives. Our push-up memorial this morning for our fallen brother was to ground us in the reality of our service and commitment to our mission.”
Chapman, a combat controller for the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, became the 19th Airman to receive a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, since the Air Force was created in 1947. After rescuing a teammate who had been stranded in enemy territory after a helicopter crash, Chapman was killed during a firefight with al Qaida militants in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002, at the Battle of Roberts Ridge on Takur Ghar Mountain.
The 45th AES began their Unit Training Assembly weekend at by getting in formation, playing reveille and saluting to the flag, then the Airmen participated in morale push-ups.
“Chapman is a true representation of the Air Force’s core values,” said Airman 1st Class Hailey Mount. “I believe all airmen should strive to follow his drive and willingness to serve our country.”