AFSOC collecting info for upgrades

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Air Force Special Operations Command, which is HQ’d at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is collecting evidence that may lead to the upgrading of some valor cases – maybe to the Medal of Honor. The AFSOC review is using hindsight to ascertain “where did we perhaps undershoot” in terms of an award nomination, Air Force Special Operations Command Commander, Lt. Gen. James Slife, said Feb. 27 here at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium. Slife offered no specific case, but said the AFSOC is “doing a comprehensive search for the evidence that is out there.” For example, in the upgrade of Master Sgt. John Chapman’s Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor, the Pentagon was able to review surveillance feed of his final moments in Afghanistan to determine the extent of his valor. Last fall, AF Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said the service was taking a “lot of time, a lot of effort reviewing every award,” and measuring that against the standards other services use for the Medal of Honor. AFSOC’s job now is collecting the evidence and presenting the cases for upgrades to Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett. (Source: AF Magazine 02/27/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/afsoc-reviewing-valor-awards-for-possible-upgrade/