Air Force Tech Sgt. John Chapman will receive a posthumous Medal of Honor on Aug. 22, the service announced. Chapman is being recognized for his actions during a March 2002 firefight in Takur Ghar, Afghanistan, in March 2002. A special operator cross-trained as a combat controller, Chapman was taking part in a reconnaissance mission when the Takur Ghar fight took place. He and other special operators were trying to establish observation posts, from which they could direct air assets against enemy targets.
While entering the area, the MH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying Chapman and his fellow special operators came under fire. One comrade, Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1stClass Neil Roberts, a SEAL, was jarred out of the aircraft as it was hit. The helicopter survived, but the ensuing effort to recover Roberts led to the deaths of six U.S. service members – including both Roberts and Chapman.
Once the team was on the ground, Chapman immediately began moving forward to high ground and engaging the enemy at very close range. He was ” critically wounded” in the action, but kept fighting until he died. His actions saved the lives of his comrades, according to official records.
Initially after the action, Chapman posthumously received an Air Force Cross. Sixteen years later, a review concluded that the upgrade to the nation’s highest award for valor in combat is warranted. He becomes the first airman to receive the honor since the Vietnam War. He also will receive a posthumous promotion to master sergeant.