OSI agent awarded medals

  • Published
  • By Airman Josh Harbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. --  An Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agent received three medals March 20 for his actions while deployed in support of the global war on terrorism.

Special Agent Jac Christiansen was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal while assigned to an Air Force and Marine unit in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing in Iraq.

The Bronze Star is awarded to servicemembers who display meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against armed enemy forces.

Colonel Dennis Gervais, commander of the 4th Field Investigations Region of AFOSI at Randolph AFB, Texas, presented the awards to Agent Christiansen during the ceremony. 

In his opening words, Colonel Gervais said, "This event, steeped in military tradition is about courage, love of country, love of freedom and the incredible human capacity; the commitment to something larger than himself."

He received the Purple Heart for sustaining minor injuries in five IED attacks during missions throughout his deployment.

The Purple Heart is awarded to servicemembers who have been injured or killed in action. This decoration, established by General George Washington Aug. 7, 1782, was originally named the Badge of Military Merit.

Special Agent Christiansen received the Combat Action Medal for performing duties in a combat zone in hostile territory away from a secure, established installation. This award's creation was authorized by Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley March 15, 2007 in recognition of Sept. 11, 2001.

Overall, his work contributed to a significant reduction in IED incidents, thus reducing the number of Coalition Forces casualties.

In his remarks to the audience, Agent Christiansen said, "I'm very humbled and appreciative for this presentation but I need to give credit to my team, because without them none of this would have happened."