Reservists receive AF Meritorious Unit Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tom Talbert
  • 442nd Fighter Wing public affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, the wing Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing were assigned to while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Award for its performance in Afghanistan.

The award recognizes Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Air National Guard units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days during the period of military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept.11, 2001.

According to criteria set in Air Force guidelines, "the unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units with similar missions."

"I think it's highly fitting and applicable based on what our folks did over there," said Col. Steve Arthur, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. "Look at what they accomplished - integration with active duty after a last minute notification. They got up, deployed and then set records over there for munitions expenditures. They are highly-deserving and should feel proud."

The award was first created in 2001 and replaced the Outstanding Unit Award as the United States Air Force's equivalent of the Army and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

The decoration is the unit equivalent to the Legion of Merit, one of the military's highest honors. Squadrons, groups and wings may be recommended for the award.

The distinction can't be presented to any unit or component previously awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award or unit award from other service components for the same act, achievement or service.

"Those who deployed from the 442nd and were part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing have earned and are entitled to wear this award," said Senior Master Sgt. Cesar Ortiz, 442nd Military Personnel Flight superintendent. "The verifying official is the unit commander and, if in doubt, something as simple as presenting a travel voucher would be significant enough proof you are eligible to wear the award."

More than 300 Citizen Airmen from the 442nd, including maintainers, pilots, intelligence specialists, operations support Airmen and a public affairs officer were assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and are eligible for the award.

"A considerable number of our people were in supervisory positions over there," Colonel Arthur said. "Colonel Tony Johnson was the expeditionary operations group commander. The whole wing, everyone who deployed and participated, did a wonderful job and I think it's very appropriate."