On April 6, 2013, deep in the Sono Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Christopher Baradat, an Air Force combat controller, displayed extraordinary heroism while attached to a U.S. Special Forces quick reaction force.

Their mission: relieve a coalition unit pinned down by over 100 heavily armed Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in a narrow, mountainous valley known for its deadly ambushes.

As the team advanced under fire, Baradat pushed forward through enemy gunfire to get within striking distance of the enemy positions. From a small compound 400 meters from friendly forces, he realized his radio connection with aircraft would be compromised under cover—so he made a life-or-death decision.

SSgt Baradat moved into the open, fully exposed, and stayed there for more than three hours, calmly directing A-10 and AC-130 airstrikes as enemy machine-gun rounds exploded around him. His precision and unshakable composure led to the destruction of 13 enemy positions.

As coalition forces began to withdraw, he once again put himself in the line of fire, standing exposed on the side of a moving vehicle to maintain communications and coordinate more life-saving air support.

For his unmatched courage and battlefield skill, Christopher Baradat was originally awarded the Silver Star, later upgraded to the Air Force Cross—the second-highest military award for valor in combat.

🔔 Subscribe for more true stories of courage and sacrifice
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments
👍 Like if you value these stories
👥 Share to honor our military heroes