Kevin Vance

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Kevin Vance, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron and while attached to the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan during Operation ANACONDA on 4 March 2002. Following the death of four team members, Staff Sergeant Vance continued the mission by identifying enemy positions and directed successful strikes in “danger close” conditions in 10,000-foot mountain conditions. He directed two A-10s on strafing passes on enemy locations. His actions eliminated the immediate threat and deterred further attacks. He was integral in execution of the Joint Special Operations plan. When his mounted patrol was ambushed, he called for close air support. He coordinated mortar fire to mark the target, then calmly directed multiple drops of ordnance.