The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Joseph F. Priester, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service in aerial flight in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 10 January 2008 to 25 December 2008. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s performance reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. great credit upon him, Task Force DESTINY, Combined Joint Task Force-101, and the United States Central Command.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Joseph F. Priester, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as a pilot, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment in support of combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 05-07. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s technical and tactical leadership, dedication to duty, bold and audacious piloting, and courage in the face of danger were essential to the success of coalition forces. His actions reflect great credit upon him, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Task Force Band of Brothers, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Staff Sergeant Joseph F. Priester, United States Army, for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as an E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System Communications Technician, 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, 405th Expeditionary Operations Group, 405th Air Expeditionary Wing, Sultanate of Oman, from 8 September 2002 to 12 October 2002. During this period, Sergeant Priester provided the Commander, United States Central Command Air Forces with superior theater command and control while participating in combat operations, under austere conditions, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Sergeant Priester’s exemplary performance significantly contributed to his crew’s outstanding operational successes. Sergeant Priester was an essential component of a first-ever coalition of United States Air Force and British E-3 Airborne Warning and Control Systems and Air National Guard KC-135 tankers; a single wing capable of refueling friendly forces as well as detecting, identifying, and locating enemy forces. The professional ability and outstanding aerial accomplishments of Sergeant Priester reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Air Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Joseph F. Priester, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious achievement in aerial flight in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan, on 20 August 2008. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s performance reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. great credit on him, Task Force DESTINY, Combined Joint Task Force-101, and the United States Central Command.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Air Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Joseph F. Priester, United States Army, for extraordinary valorous achievement as a Pilot in command on 19 August 2008. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s tactical and technical expertise were instrumental to the successful defense of FOB SALERNO. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s actions reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force DESTINY, Combined Joint Task Force-101, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Air Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Joseph F. Priester, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious achievement in aerial flight in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan, on 12 August 2008. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Chief Warrant Officer Two Priester’s performance reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. great credit on him, Task Force DESTINY, Combined Joint Task Force-101, and the United States Central Command.