Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez Jr.

On October 5, 2009, Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez Jr. served as a Combat Controller attached to a Special Forces team in Afghanistan. During an intense firefight, he was wounded by enemy fire but repeatedly refused evacuation. Instead, he continued directing close air support, rescued wounded teammates, and coordinated casualty evacuations while exposing himself to enemy fire. Despite his injuries, Gutierrez remained in the fight until the enemy assault was defeated and every wounded service member was evacuated. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to others earned him the Air Force Cross.