ST airman upgraded to Silver Star

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - What began as a typical reconnaissance patrol during a brisk November in Afghanistan took a turn for the worst. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chris Grove, a Special Tactics combat controller assigned as the 720th Special Tactics Group based at Hurlburt Field, delivered thousands of pounds of munition, securing the safety of his joint and partner forces, and 12 years later received the Silver Star Medal. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presented the nation’s third highest medal against an armed enemy of the United States to Grove during a ceremony Nov. 15. “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” said Slife. In November 2007, Grove was the “right Airman at the right place, at the right time, who rose to the occasion brilliantly,” he continued. Grove was originally awarded the Bronze Star Medal in with Valor in 2008 for his actions, but due to a recent review of awards within the 24th Special Operations Wing, his package was resubmitted for an upgrade. (Source: 24th Special Operations Wing 11/15/19) The 720th STG is comprised of more than 800 Special Tactics combat controllers, pararescuemen, special operations weathermen, tactical air control party and support personnel. https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2019204/special-tactics-chief-awarded-silver-star-for-countering-overwhelming-afghan-am/.