Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Daniel P. Keller
the Air Force Cross
to
Daniel P. Keller
Staff Sergeant Daniel P. Keller distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller at Nangahar Province, Afghanistan, on 16 August 2017. On that date, Sergeant Keller embarked on a clearance operation against 350 Islamic State fighters. After fifteen hours of sustained contact, the assault force struck an improvised explosive device, killing four personnel and wounding thirty one. After being knocked over by the force of the blast, Sergeant Keller executed air to ground engagements while returning fire. Sergeant Keller helped move thirteen wounded casualties to a helicopter landing zone under a hail of enemy fire. When medical evacuation helicopters were unable to identify the landing zone, he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to marshal both aircraft and aid in loading casualties. In spite of his injuries, he loaded wounded personnel into vehicles and volunteered to walk back to a combat outpost, escorting other wounded teammates. During this movement, he repulsed a three-sided enemy attack by returning fire and passed enemy positions to another Joint Terminal Attack Controller, allowing friendly forces to break contact. His courage contributed to the survival of the 130 members of his assault force and resulted in an estimated fifty enemy killed in action. Through his extraordinary heroism, Sergeant Keller reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected by Combat Control Association.
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. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.
Location. 32° 24.267′ N, 86° 14.979′ W. Marker is in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Memorial is on Avenue D, on the right when traveling south. 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 36115, 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 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 Zachary J. Rhyner (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 Robert Gutierrez, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Richard B. Hunter (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Dustin H. Temple (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Jason D. Cunningham (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex.
Also see . . . Military Times Hall of Valor AF Cross Citation. (Submitted on April 16, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.