11:00am | Staff Sgt. Joshua Webster, a California National Guardsman assigned to the 129th Rescue Wing, was recently presented the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross at a ceremony at Moffett Federal Airfield. In honor of the anniversary of Pearl Harbor coming up, the Long Beach Post felt compelled to share his story.
Webster, a Long Beach native and pararescueman assigned to the 131st Rescue Squadron, distinguished himself while a participating in an aerial mission out of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan on June 27, 2010. On that date, Webster participated in eight casualty evacuation missions in support of coalition operations. For nearly seven hours, he aided in determining patient priority and rendered critical care to wounded personnel, many of who would not have survived if not for quick extraction and medical treatment.
On one rescue, Webster hoisted down from an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter through enemy fire to save an American soldier that had fallen 200 feet and remained trapped on a ridge. With rounds striking only feet from his position as well as the helicopter above, he quickly snatched the wounded soldier to safety.
His outstanding heroism helped save the lives of 13 wounded American and coalition soldiers.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to servicemembers who distinguish themselves in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. The 129th RQW has 10 outstanding airmen receiving this prestigious medal.