Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Award of Air Force Cross to Jason D. Cunningham

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

1. Award of Air Force Cross to Jason D. Cunningham Marker

Inscription.
Citation to Accompany the Award of
The Air Force Cross
to
Jason D. Cunningham
Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a pararescueman near the village of Marzak in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan. On 4 March 2002, Airman Cunningham was the primary Air Force Combat Search and Rescue medic assigned to a Quick Reaction Force tasked to recover two American servicemen evading capture in austere terrain occupied by massed Al Qaida and Taliban forces. His MH-47E helicopter received accurate rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire, causing it to crash land. The assault force immediately suffered three fatalities and five critical casualties. Despite effective enemy fire, and at great risk to his own life, Airman Cunningham remained in the burning fuselage of the aircraft in order to treat the wounded. As he moved his patients to a more secure location, mortar rounds began to impact within fifty feet of his position. Disregarding this extreme danger, he continued the movement and exposed himself to enemy fire on seven separate occasions. The second casualty collection point was also compromised. In a display of uncommon valor and gallantry, Airman

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Cunningham braved an intense small arms and rocket propelled grenade attack while repositioning the critically wounded to a third collection point. Even after he was mortally wounded and quickly deteriorating, he continued to direct patient movement and transferred care to another medic. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Airman Cunningham reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Erected 2004 by Maxwell-Gunter AFSNCOA Class 04-B.

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° 24.264′ N, 86° 14.979′ 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 Robert Gutierrez, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Zachary J. Rhyner

Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

2. Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques.

(here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Timothy A. Wilkinson (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to John A. Chapman (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 Ivan M. Ruiz (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 Daniel P. Keller (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex.

Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Jason D. Cunningham. Was killed in action during the opening days of the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002 during Operation Enduring Freedom. SRA Cunningham was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Also see . . . Military Times article & bio on Jason D. Cunningham. (Submitted on June 27, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

SRA Jason D. Cunningham image. Click for full size.

Photographed By USAF Photo

3. SRA Jason D. Cunningham

Enlisted Air Force Cross Description image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

4. Enlisted Air Force Cross Description

The AF Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy, to any person while serving with the U.S. Air Force, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing enemy force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces, engaged in conflict against an opposing force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. It is awarded for heroic actions second in precedence only to the Medal of Honor and is presented in the name of the President. It was established by Congress by Public Law 88-593 on 6 July 1960.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 568 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 27, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.