Offutt Airman awarded Bronze Star with Valor

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jamie Humphries
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  For actions taken in the line of fire, Master Sgt. Christopher Banks was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor in a ceremony at the Afghan Conference Center Aug. 13.

Banks, a ground medic working in an advising role with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., at the time of the incident, was honored for actions taken during a shooting on the Afghan air force compound at Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 27. The shooting claimed the lives of eight Airmen and one civilian contractor.

The Bronze Star, when awarded for bravery, is the fourth highest combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the U.S. armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

During the firefight, the Airmen and contractor on scene sustained life-threatening wounds. Risking his own life, Banks responded to the scene and provided medical triage to wounded Airmen in the building, and transported victims to a nearby Afghan medical facility where he rendered aid.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan commander, attended the ceremony, as did Brig. Gen. David Allvin, NATO Air Training Command commanding general and 438th AEW commander.

"Through their courageous actions, they put an exclamation point on the value of our calling in the profession of arms and the loyalty and trust it demands," said Allvin.

During the same ceremony, five members of the same unit were awarded Joint Service Commendation Medals including four with Valor for their response in the aftermath of the same tragedy.

Following the ceremony, Banks talked about that day.

"This is a very bittersweet moment for me both personally and professionally and I am very much honored," explained Banks. "No military medic ever wants to hear the words, 'Medic' or 'Corpsman up.' I feel I did what any other Airmen in the same situation would have done and did my best to help my fallen comrades."

Lt. Col. Frank Bryant Jr., Maj. Philip Ambard, Maj. Jeffrey Ausborn, Maj. David Brodeur, Maj. Charles Ransom, Maj. Raymond Estelle, Capt. Nathan Nylander, Master Sgt. Tara Brown and Mr. Jim McLaughlin died in the attack.

"I keep thinking of the spouses and children that lost their loved ones April 27, said Banks. "I think about that day a lot and would trade the Bronze Star in a heartbeat to have those nine courageous Americans back so they could see their families again."