Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Dustin H. Temple
The Air Force Cross
to
Dustin H. Temple
Senior Airman Dustin H. Temple distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 27 to 29 September 2014, while attached to a U.S. Special Forces team, Airman Temple displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own life as he and his teammates assaulted an insurgent safe haven. As overwhelming hostile fire continually suppressed his team and following a teammate being gravely wounded by a sniper, Airman Temple put himself in a direct line of fire to drag the wounded teammate off a rooftop and across one hundred meters of open terrain. After he returned to the compound, enemy fighters surged within 40 meters, Airman Temple immediately directed F-16s into danger close strafing runs, killing 1 insurgent and repelling the assault. As supplies dwindled, he braved open terrain again to retrieve critical ammunition from a resupply helicopter. Against continuous machine gun fire he called in F-16 close fire support so that he and his team could retrieve supplies, exposing themselves to the enemy in open terrain three times. At the end of the 48-hour engagement, he controlled 28 attack helicopters and 20 fixed wing assets for a total of 26 engagements while safely employing munitions at danger close range 75 times. Airman Temple’s heroic and selfless actions directly resulted in confirmed 10 enemy fighters killed, while saving 38 friendly forces lives. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb Airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Airman Temple has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected by Maxwell-Gunter AFSNCOA Class 07-C.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Afghanistan. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients series list.
Location. 32° 24.268′ N, 86° 14.982′ W. Marker is in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of McDonald Street and Avenue D. Located at the USAF Senior NCO Academy at the Gunter Annex and requires base access. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 McDonald St, Montgomery AL 36114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Award of Air Force Cross to Richard B. Hunter (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Alaxey Germanovich (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Christopher G. Baradat (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Ivan M. Ruiz (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Daniel P. Keller (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Robert Gutierrez, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Keary J.Miller (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Zachary J. Rhyner (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 653 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 26, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.