US Air Force TSgt John Chapman, a Combat Controller killed in Afghanistan more than 16 years ago, will receive the Medal of Honor next month.

According to the medal nomination, Tech. Sergeant John Chapman distinguished himself on the battlefield through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity,” sacrificing his life to preserve those of his teammates. Chapman was part of a joint special operations reconnaissance team deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 that came under overwhelming enemy fire during a heroic rescue attempt on Takur Ghar mountain, Afghanistan, on March 4, 2002.

The Air Force is the only service that has not seen a Medal of Honor in the past few years. In fact, TSgt Chapman will be the first Airman to receive the Medal since the Vietnam War.

Also at the Stars and Stripes.

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