Awards

Three airmen received awards for their actions in evacuating nearly 260 U.S. and partner forces from harm's way in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Brunetto was awarded the the third-highest military combat decoration last week.

The move recognizes Merrill's Marauders' "bravery and outstanding service in the jungles of Burma during World War II."

Two sailors received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the service's highest non-combat lifesaving award.

Two pararescuemen assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base received the Bronze Star medal with Valor earlier this month.

The ceremony honored the actions of two crews from the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Sgt. Maj. Thomas "Patrick" Payne is the first living member of Delta Force to receive the nation's highest award for valor.

He labored 30 grueling hours, fighting through his own shrapnel wounds to save the lives of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of men.

Federal funds will not be used to pay for the monument, according to the legislation.

Members of the Air Force's 21st Special Tactics Squadron earned over 90 awards for actions against extremist organizations.