Three airmen received medals for their work during Operation Allies Refuge, the effort to evacuate refugees during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last August. Capt. Adam J. Solomon of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing (Red Tails Strike Eagles) earned the Bronze Star, while two senior airmen – Dakota C. Bartz and Andrew J. Kimrey – were awarded Air Force Commendation Medals with Combat Devices.
Solomon, the wing’s airfield manager, is credited with supervising a four-man team that safeguarded the facility’s arrival and departure corridors. He also coordinated communications among a joint-force contingency of thousands, including international personnel. The record shows that Solomon’s efforts significantly increased evacuation flights by using a new sequencing tool and redesigning procedures. President Biden and other heads of state were debriefed on Solomon’s efforts, which were hailed as a new benchmark. Additionally, he headed the first diplomatic and strategic meetings with Taliban counterparts, alleviating potential tensions before they happened. His actions proved particularly useful during the response to the Islamic State attack upon the airport, during which 13 U.S. service members were killed.
Bartz and Kimrey, air traffic controllers with the 332nds Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, are credited with risking their lives numerous times as the evacuation unfolded. Working with a team of Marines, the two helped form a physical security blockade to prevent the airfield’s taxiway from being overwhelmed. They also oversaw operations that allowed airlifts to continue even as the area drew indirect fire and was subject to ground attacks.
Bartz managed nighttime air operations, during which he made sure radios could be used to foster safety and minimize the potential for midair collisions. Working during the day, Kimrey also worked to avert midair collisions and helped an Afghan senior officer and his staff conduct evacuation efforts.
The operation is the largest airlift conducted by the U.S. military in 72 years. It involved 3,511 flights, during which 124,394 personnel were evacuated without accident, despite the absence of operational radar. In doing so, they ensured the safety of 1,504 refugees – undergoing intermittent sniper fire throughout the entire operation.