Staff Sgt. Zachary Kline; pararescueman earns Silver Star
Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla pins a Silver Star on Staff Sgt. Zachary during a ceremony July 14, 2013, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Kline is a 306th Rescue Squadron pararescueman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christine Griffiths)
Eggs sends us a link to the AF.MIL about Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Kline for rescuing two Army pilots under fire in Afghanistan last year;
According to the award citation, Kline was a part of a rescue team tasked to recover two U.S. Army pilots from an OH-58D Kiowa that had gone down. While on the ground, Kline fought enemy fire while coordinating with aircraft by radio to target threats located behind his position.
During the engagement, an incoming round ignited fuel within the wreckage, which then erupted in flames. He continued to push through enemy fire to an alternate site while still guiding overhead aircraft to adversarial positions by radio.
“He leaves us with an example of an Airman that bands together with other Airmen to get the job done and to save others so that they may live,” Padilla said. “When Zach leaves our Air Force he’s going to leave it just a little bit better because of his accomplishments while he was here.”
Category: Real Soldiers
Oh come on SSgt. Stick around. The story only gets better.
I’d hate to have to see a hero like you leave my beloved Air Force.
Then again, having giant balls like that must make it hard and expensive to get tailored ABUs.
/Only knew one PJ in my career and he was The Man.
Well done, Staff Sgt. The recognition is well-deserved.
This old soldier salutes you.
After constantly reading about the poser fucktards that disgrace the uniform, it is awesome to get to read about a real life, no shit warrior. Great job Staff Sergeant.
Semper Fidelis!
He will be an asset no matter where he goes or what he does.
Excellent, Staff Sgt. Kline.
BLUF: Pararescue and Combat Air Control are bad ass. From their peace time mission to the tip of the spear.
Shai Dorsai!
Here’s a documentary video I just made about pararescue and have entered into a contest.
http://drivencreativity.g-technology.com/comp_entries/film/usaf-pararescue-heritage?sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC&filmcategory=All&type_1=All&rid_1=All&sharing=true
The pararescue specialty has a history as a distinct military occupation originating in 1947 and pararchute recue mission capability need and utilization going back to 1940. Lots of tip of thespear mission history not mentioned in video unfortunately. No film footage or photos available.
@5. Yeah, those AF pararescue guys are all backbone and balls, with a brain.
I will gladly donate a wheelbarrow for him to be able to tote around those giant brass balls.
#7 How about your 12 DVD set of videos? You might not want to push it here, but some here might be interested in buying it.
Living in ABQ
PJ’s and combat medic’s….can’t help but admire their courage and skill. Congrat’s SSG Kline!
PJ’s were never allowed to buy their own beer at the bar. Everyone liked those guys!
On behalf of all OH-58 drivers, we appreciate the support! Kick ass and well deserved.
MCPO – As far as the peacetime mission, I believe they’re around 5 saves in the last couple of months here in southern AZ. The latest was the day before SSgt Kline was awarded his Silver Star.
A whiff of fresh air after the poser stench.
Thank you Staff Sgt, for lives saved and a job well done.
I’ve scoured the news. No mention of Ssgt Klein. All I saw today was the surviving Boston Marathon bombers mug on Rolling Stone in a glam shot to make him look like Jim Morrison. That must have happened because DVIDS didn’t get Ssgt Klein’s photo to them on time! When the hell will this country stop confusing celebrity with hero? Oh wait…. Never! Thanks for the space to rant!
Great story… Nice change of pace… Congrats SSGT Klein.
The PJs, pilots, a/c crew did not fly with nads. The jolly green would have never lifted off. Think about a hoist ride a 100 to 200 feet down with all of the enemy directed at the helo and PJ. Now he find the downed and injured personel send them up on the hoist. Now he is alone on the ground and must wait for hoist to be lowered for him to be a moving target on the way up. I am really suprised that double the number of Jollies and crew were not lost. From helo crew to another, outstanding Ssgt Klien. Joe
PJ’s, steel-spined, and steel balls! Well done SSgt Kline!!
Been a long time since I flew Phantoms, but damn, there isn’t an aircrew member alive that doesn’t love those who serve in pararescue. Giants among men!