06/01/2026
June 1, 2014 | Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
On this day exactly 12 years ago, TSgt Thomas Bauhs demonstrated the extreme bravery and tactical skill that defines America's elite special operators. While attached to an Army Special Forces team during a large-scale combined clearance mission in an enemy-dominated valley, the element was ambushed by more than 50 insurgents. A grueling 12-hour firefight ensued, during which TSgt Bauhs and his ground force commander came under a sustained barrage of heavy weapon fire while positioned on a rooftop.
The Combat Controller engaged the enemy with his M203 gr***de launcher while orchestrating close air support with two F-16 Fighting Falcons. During the engagement, an enemy 82-millimeter recoilless rifle round detonated within feet of his position, knocking him down and leaving him briefly incapacitated. Demonstrating incredible resilience, TSgt Bauhs shook off the blast and directed the release of two 500-pound bombs onto the enemy positions. Within 30 seconds, a second recoilless rifle round struck the wall directly above him, collapsing the structure and inflicting a perforated eardrum and a traumatic brain injury.
Despite suffering these severe blast injuries, TSgt Bauhs refused to falter. He passed air control to a fellow Combat Controller and braved heavy machine gun fire to render lifesaving first aid to his unconscious ground force commander. He moved the commander to cover, radioed for assistance, and later coordinated a critical medical evacuation by identifying a secure landing zone and establishing safe flight corridors for the incoming helicopter.
TSgt Bauhs continued to fight through his wounds for the remainder of the engagement, seamlessly synchronizing nine additional air-to-ground strikes using an AC-130W Stinger II gunship and AH-64 Apache helicopters. His decisive actions and absolute calm under fire ultimately resulted in 11 enemy combatants killed in action and prevented further friendly casualties. For his extraordinary valor, heroism, and profound sacrifice in the face of grave danger, he was honored with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
This heroic action highlights the vital capabilities of these elite warriors. USAF Special Tactics being the only U.S. Special Operations Command's tactical air and ground integration force, and the Air Force's only special operations ground force.
