The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO-3) Jerry D. Sartin, United States Army, for valorous achievement in aerial flight during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08, while serving as a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot in Command and Air Mission Commander in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion 131st Aviation Regiment, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer Three Sartin’s heroic actions and piloting skills during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of preventing further loss of life on 20 January 2007. His bravery in attempting the rescue of Easy 40 crew is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment, the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Chief Warrant Officer Jerry D. Sartin distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry in action as a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot in Command and Air Mission Commander in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Balad, Iraq, on 20 January 2007 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08. After noticing a trail of smoke on the horizon, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin received a radio call which announced a “Fallen Angel”, indicating that an aircraft had been engaged by the enemy and was unable to continue Flight. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin quickly directed his flight to provide over watch in order to protect the downed aircraft and identify the enemy combatants. Under Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin’s command the flight executed a series of interlocking figure-eight patterns. The enemy combatants were identified as they attempted to flee the engagement area. Without hesitation, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin directed the flight to pursue and engage the enemy. The flight began to receive concentrated enemy fire. Throughout the ensuing intense engagement, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin commanded the flight, safely and successfully flew his aircraft, and avoided small arms fire, anti-aircraft and rocket propelled grenade attacks. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin’s piloting skills allowed his gunners to successfully engage and destroy the enemy combatants with a constant barrage of machine gun fire. Following the engagement, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin landed his helicopter at Easy 40’s three o’clock position, placing his aircraft between Easy 40 and the last known enemy position. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin directed the flight to deploy recovery and security forces to establish and secure the perimeter and assist with crew and personnel recovery. Although the Easy 40 crew and passengers could not be recovered, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin directed the flight to remain on station as long as possible, until fuel levels were critically low, allowing the rescue team to recover sensitive items. While under his command, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin’s flight was instrumental in keeping the enemy at bay, providing recovery efforts maximum security at the crash site. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sartin’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade and the United States Army.